It was Standing Room Only as animal advocates from all over Tennessee discussed working together with respect and kindness towards common goals.
The General Meeting for the West Tennessee Animal Coalition was held on January 28, 2006 at the Cotton Patch Restaurant in Parkers Crossroads, TN, which is just about in the center of the coalition's 26 county region. Many people drove for hours to participate in this unifying experience and when the meeting was over, everyone carried the positive energy for a new humane movement back to their own counties.
Everyone's experience, approach and methods of helping animals may differ, however we all agree that animals must be respected and cared for with kindness. We all also agree that the way to stop the killing of homeless animals is by spaying and neutering the ones that are here now and educate pet guardians to keep their pets.
Another point that the group attending this meeting all agree on is that the only way the first points can happen is with respect, care and kindness towards one another. All humans who work for the animals must work together.
I feel deep in my heart that now is the time for people who care about animals in Tennessee to come together as a cohesive group and work towards these objectives. After seeing all these wonderful, dedicated people nodding, smiling, applauding for these goals, I know I'm definitely not the only one and that it is the time - it is an inspiration.
Discussions and Guest Speakers included:
Michelle Buckalew and Robin Heise from Animal World USA spoke about the organization's fantastic, informative magazine, The Animal World. Michelle is Editor of the magazine and spoke about some of the wonderful articles, contributors and the beautiful artwork that graces each issue's cover.
Animal World USA also sponsors the annual Tennessee Week for the Animals (TWFA), a week long event with themed days where organizations across the state participate for humane education and to increase awareness.
Kim Cady from New Humane Movement spoke about her very moving and inspirational documentary film, New Humane Movement - Saving One At A Time.
The film focuses on spaying and neutering all companion pets and feral cats. It stresses the importance of animal advocates and their organizations working together and includes interviews with leading animal advocates across the country.
Kim also talked about amazing new programs for feral cats.
Sherry Rout, ASPCA Legislative Liaison Southern Region and member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Humane Association (THA) spoke about the THA and their program plans, her work with the ASPCA and her work with hurricane Katrina animal relief.
Susan Brown, member of the Board of Directors of the coalition and Chairperson of the coalition's Spay/Neuter Programs Committee, spoke about plans for spay/neuter programs to encompass all of West Tennessee.
Paula Colvett's plans as Chairperson of the coalition's Humane Education: Pet Retention Sub-Committee were discussed. The committee will work to help pet guardians keep their pets in their family rather than surrendering them to a shelter or abandoning them.
When working with such a wide-spread group (in the coalition's case 26 counties and beyond), communication can be a bit of a quandary. The answer to that has been the Internet. The coalition utilizes three unique Internet communication tools. The Best Friends Society sponsors the Best Friends Network where groups can have a community and share news stories, forums, blogs, resources, etc. Visit the Coalition's Best Friends Community. Truly a network community, Tennessee and many of the coalition's members have communities on the network, as well. The coalition also has the Main Discussion Group on Yahoo! and yet another group focusing more on animal cruelty is on the ASPCA network.
Countless dedicated individuals and organizations are working day in and day out to save as many animals as is possible with their limited means. It's an overwhelming, exhausting struggle. However, with all of us working together, sharing our resources, talents and support, the possibilities are endless. And when we look into the eyes of our furry friends and see pure, unconditional love and trust, isn't that worth us taking the time to find our common purpose and work together for their welfare? Isn't that love and trust the common purpose?
Whether you represent a West TN animal organization, are an individual caring for animals one by one or are interested in improving animal welfare in general, add your positive energy and participate in uniting for the animals, join the coalition!
