Special shelter needs this week are for rain suits and thermal underwear in sizes XL and 2 XL. We have dedicated trustees helping at the shelter who could really use some warm clothing to wear as they diligently work outdoors to help care for our shelter animals. We are also in need of Nutrical, a vitamin supplement that helps keep our shelter puppies and kitties healthy while they are with us, dry kitten chow and bleach, bleach, bleach. We can still use more heat lamps and bulbs to help keep the outdoor animals warm during what promises to be a long, cold winter.

As the days get colder some of the shelter needs change. The shelter needs blankets, towels, and lots of liquid laundry detergent and liquid softener as there is a lot more laundry at this time of the year. Also needed are heat lamp bulbs, dust free kitty litter, Clorox wipes, bleach, puppy and kitten shampoo, 39 gallon trash bags, puppy and kitten food, scotch and packing tape, scissors, envelopes, old cell phones and printer cartridges.

The needs list can be found online.  Special needs this week include: 2 way radios (walkie talkies), a cordless drill and regular clay dust free cat litter.

We are also staffing a booth at the flea market in Sweetwater for about 4 hours on Saturdays and Sundays and could use some volunteer help. We generally bring some animals from the shelter and have been quite successful in both adoptions and in disbursing information about the shelter and the overpopulation problem.

Education and networking is an incredibly important function of our shelter and we are grateful to have been given the opportunity and location to reach so many folks from Monroe County and beyond.

If you think you can spare a couple of hours on a Saturday or Sunday and enjoy chatting with people, please call Pat at 865-458-0491 or e-mail at pkopmann@aol.com.

The shelter is again in need of exercise pens (x-pen.) An x-pen is a 6 or 8 sided "playpen" for dogs. Our entire stock is being utilized by our foster families. If you want to purchase one for use at the shelter, they can be bought starting at only $42.00 at www.petproductdepot.net. Numerous sizes are available.

We are still working very hard on the remodeling project at the shelter to make things better for the animals. We are in need of cash to pay for materials and tools for both special projects and daily maintenance. Sakrete and other building supplies are needed for the current project and a large mechanics toolbox on wheels would be very handy as many areas of the shelter need maintenance. Call the shelter for specific details. Other needs for this week are dust free kitty litter, garden (weed) sprayers, “parking lot yellow” paint (Sloan’s-Madisonville) and gift cards from Wal-Mart and Walgreens for photo processing.

We are now operating a booth at the Flea Market in Sweetwater to educate, arrange for adoptions, and sign up new MCFA members. We are providing a very valuable service at this location and are reaching a large portion of Monroe County with much needed general information, especially regarding the need, ways and means to provide spay or neuter services for their in-tact animals. We are looking for people to spend a few hours on Saturday or Sunday to represent the shelter. Volunteers must have completed MCFA's Volunteer Training Program in order to be a knowledgeable representative. Please contact Pat Kopmann at MCAS, 423-442-1015 to sign up.

We are also desperate for drivers to provide transportation for our adoption hopefuls who have been accepted on small rescue runs. We have a standing opportunity to rendezvous with a run on Fridays at 2 PM in Lenoir City. If you think you might be able to help out with this run and others that may come up, please contact Vicki Morgan at the Shelter, 423-442-1015. If you would like to be on the mailing list to see when these opportunities arise, simply take out a membership in MCFA and you will automatically receive news and needs of the shelter in your personal email box if you choose. MCFA membership forms are available at the shelter or online.

Shelter needs this week:

• (2) large chalk boards
• Scrubbs type tops size L-XL
• XL plain white tee shirts - NO LOGO
• 5-6 gallon gas containers
• pet carriers
• gift cards to Wal-Mart, Lowes, Home Depot or any office supply store

We have a long needs list this week including: pet carriers, a long handled scrub brush, peroxide and rubbing alcohol. In addition we are hoping to obtain new or used CD players (these play calming sounds for the shelter animals and help to create a peaceful, stressless environment) and a large chest type freezer in very good condition as this appliance will not be located in an air conditioned space.

Check out the shopping sign behind Wal-Mart in Madisonville for immediate shelter needs. You can also find a printable shelter needs list here to bring with you while shopping. This week's special need is for gallon size Zip-lock baggies. We also frequently need transportation for our shelter animals to vet appointments or to meet up with rescue transport groups. With today's gas prices, this is an expensive venture for only a few volunteers, but with more people willing to take a run from time to time, we can share the load. Call Shelter Director Vicki Morgan at 423-442-1015 if you would be willing to provide occasional transportation.

Special shelter needs this week are for yellow dishwashing gloves (available at Walgreens & Wal-Mart) size large and X-large, puppy collars, dust free cat litter and cages and crates of all sizes.

Shelter needs continue to be for cat litter and crates, carriers and x-pens of all sizes. X-pens (playpens for dogs) may be purchased locally or on line at www.petmountain.com. Pet Mountain is currently offering free shipping if you purchase more than $150 in merchandise.

We have long ago outgrown our physical space at the shelter so we are now looking for the donation of another outdoor storage shed to be used for supplies, yard equipment, etc. If you would like to purchase or contribute to the purchase of a shed, please contact Shelter Director Vicki Morgan at 423-442-1015 for details.

We are in need of x-pens at the shelter. This is a wire playpen-type enclosure that you see the puppies playing in outdoors on nice days. We've supplied many of our foster families with the pens and are in dire need of more so that we can get our shelter puppies out in the fresh air. The 24" height can be purchased at pet supply stores locally or on line for $70-$80. The more we have, the more puppies can enjoy playing together outdoors.

Some shelter needs this week are:

• 39 gallon trash bags

• heat lamp bulbs (250 watt/R40 at Wal-Mart)

• bleach and laundry detergent

• cat litter (dust free clay or scoopable),

• paper towels

• wash cloths

Our Animal Cruelty Investigators, Doris Hoekel and Dr. Nancy McEntee were instrumental in the investigation and rescue of the now famous St. Bernards, Panda and her brother, Pete. Doris and "Doc" work tirelessly to help improve the lives of animals in Monroe County. In most cases, they work with owners to be sure they are able to provide, food, water and shelter for their pets. In some cases, an owner will agree to surrender the animal(s) to the shelter. Doris and "Doc" often visit homes in remote locations of the county where there is no cell phone service. They are hoping to acquire a 2-way radio so that they can contact the sheriff's office should they find they need backup support. This is an expensive piece of equipment, costing around $700, but it is necessary to provide safety for these gals who provide such a valuable service to our citizens. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation toward this purchase, you can make a check out to The Monroe County Friends of Animals (MCFA), PO Box 106, Vonore, TN 37885 or donate online. You can drop a contribution off at the shelter as well. Just be sure that your check or donation is marked "Radio Fund" so that we will be sure to apply it to that purchase.

Special shelter needs are for bedding, towels, bleach, baby shampoo, 1 gallon zipper lock bags, dog walkers and cat cuddlers.

We are still in special need of crates, leashes and collars. Our crates are often on loan as we send dogs to rescue organizations and on our Rolling Rescue runs to New York. We frequently take in several litters of puppies at one time and they need to be kept separate from the general population until they can be properly treated before being exposed to shelter mates. Medium size wire crates are in great demand, but any size wire or airline crates would be much appreciated.

Shelter Needs list highlights for this week are AA batteries, leashes, small collars, towels, towels and more towels - new or used.  Check out the current Needs List.

Donations of puppy and kitten food came just in time last week, but we have depleted our supply and are running low on Pedialtye and Nutri-Cal. Along with any of the items on our needs list are cat litter pans, small collars and leashes of any size.  The needs list can be downloaded/printed here.

We have an ever-increasing number of animals coming into the shelter that must be fed, medically treated, housed and kept warm with our heating lamps and dog houses. All of our shelter animals receive the best possible care. The wonderful volunteers provide walks and stimulation for these animals, and we can always use more help. Please give whatever time you have available. For information on volunteering, fostering, or donating, please call Trudy Davis at the shelter during working hours. We are always in need of more volunteers, but you must be at least 16 years of age.

We are in need of plastic dog houses to provide shelter from the cold and wind now that winter is approaching. With the change of season, we pack away the raised Kuranda beds that are so perfect during the heat of summer and house the animals inside den-like houses with warm bedding. Donations of any-sized houses (no wood please) and blankets suitable for bedding are appreciated.

Our Rolling Rescue sends between 40-80 animals monthly from Monroe County to a limited intake shelter in New York State where our animals are quickly adopted to qualified homes. The cost is $600 per run and is funded solely by MCFA and other generous sponsors. If you would like to sponsor a run or contribute to the cost, this is an amazing opportunity to directly save the lives of many homeless pets. Business owners might consider this project as an advertising opportunity as well as a humanitarian effort. Call Shelter Director Vicki Morgan at 423-442-1015 for more information.

With the start of the school year, many items that are on sale could be used at the shelter - hand sanitizer, soap and office supplies such as copy paper, pastel colored paper, ink pens, staples, etc. Don't forget to recycle those plastic bags at the shelter. They serve many purposes and we use lots and lots of them. We're also low and dog and puppy shampoo and can always use paper towels and non-clumping cat litter.

Volunteers are needed to help continue our amazing success. We have a job for everyone. Training classes are held weekly and if you think it would be emotionally too hard to be around the shelter, you'll be surprised. Our facility is light, bright, clean and cheery. Our goal is to see to it that all the animals that we care for are healthier and happier than they were before they met us. Stop by and see what's happening. Monroe County can be proud of how we care for our homeless animals. Together we are making a difference, but there's much more to do.

In addition to our regular needs list items, your continuous donations of plastic grocery bags are needed. It's a useful way to recycle them and they are appreciated.

Our Rolling Rescue program continues to save the lives of many Monroe County stray and homeless animals who might otherwise never have the chance of a long and happy life. Last week, we sent 25 dogs from our shelter and PPAWS and 24 from Sharon, our sister rolling rescue group for a total of 49 dogs. Within only 2 days, 19 dogs had already been adopted!

Wire crates are needed for use in the runs during the summer months. Four to six medium size crates would really help. If you have a used crate to donate or would be willing to purchase a new one for use in the transport, please call Rolling Rescue Coordinator, Brenda Stinson at 423-261-2346.

Rolling Rescue runs are funded by The Monroe County Friends of Animals at a cost of approximately $50 per animal. Strict health procedures and rabies vaccinations are required of each animal included in the transport. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to directly save the life of a dog or cat, you can make a donation online and designate your donation to Rolling Rescue. You may also send your donation to MCFA, PO Box 106, Vonore, TN 37885.

Shelter Director Vicki Morgan states, "I promise there are still plenty of pups to bathe and walk at the shelter"! In addition to animal care, one of our biggest need these days is for volunteers to work in the office at the shelter Tuesday-Saturdays from 10 AM-5 PM, Fridays until 6 PM and beginning in May to help with the new hours on Saturday from 9 AM-4 PM and on Sundays from 12 noon-4 PM. The more hours we can remain open, the more opportunities our animals have of meeting up with their new adoptive families. We can't do it without the support of volunteers, so if you can spare some time, please lend a hand.

If you think you might be able to accompany our experienced investigator to check on reported animals in distress, please call 423-253-3788. This would be a good volunteer position for a retired gentleman but the only qualifications are for a male or female of any age with tact and diplomacy.

Shelter needs:

• string mops and a bucket with wringer

• bathroom scales

• 5 gallon gasoline cans/containers.

• Volunteers, volunteers, volunteers.

We are still in need of a self-propelled lawn mower and a weed eater in order to take care of the property around the shelter.  We have extensive grounds to groom and it's impossible to do without the proper equipment. If anyone has a used lawn mower in good condition or would like to donate a new machine for use at the shelter, we need and appreciate your generosity. Please call the shelter at 423-442-1015 and give us the good news!

Any volunteer assistance that you can provide is needed to support the health and well being of the animals in our care. Hands on dog walking, cat cuddling and kennel cleaning is important, but equally needed are folks to support the office functions at the shelter. We are in serious need of someone to help answer the phones while the staff in engaged in other duties. If you've ever stopped by the shelter or tried to call, you are aware of how often the phone rings. Having someone to field the phone calls would free staff and other volunteers to do other hands on chores. This shelter belongs to all the residents of Monroe County and together we are making it a place where our homeless animals can be cared for and loved perhaps for the first time in their lives. Won't you lend your hand?

We can also use some assistance with the administrative needs of the shelter. We have large copying projects that tax our budget. If any local businesses would be willing to share the task by donating 100 or so copies for us, we will drop by the originals and pick them up the copies when completed. Please call the shelter at 423-442-1015 if you can help. Printer ink cartridges also are an expense that we could share. Our Epson printer takes T026 and T027 cartridges. If you'd like to donate, just drop them by the shelter.

We'd like to send out a plea to those who have borrowed our live traps and not returned them. These are often in great demand and we are happy to loan them out, but we cannot afford to replace them if they aren't returned. This means that they aren't available to your friends and neighbors when they have a need for them. If you have one, please drop it off any time at the shelter and if you'd like to donate one, they are available locally for about $40.

The shelter always has a needs list, and our projected expenses for 2007 have increased drastically from the previous year. We have an ever-increasing number of animals coming into the shelter that must be fed, medically treated, housed and kept warm with our heating lamps and dog houses. All of our shelter animals receive the best possible care. Our wonderful volunteers provide walks and stimulation for these animals, and we can always use more help. Please give whatever time you have available.

Food for the shelter animals is all donated, and currently we are in very short supply of canned dog and puppy food. Other items critically needed now are laundry detergent and bleach. If you can add some of these items to your shopping cart and donate them to the shelter, we would be very grateful.

Now that we're wired, we can use 4 more heat lamps with 12" globes. Being able to warm up the runs provides health benefits as well as much comfort for our homeless dogs and puppies. If you would like to donate a 12" globe heat lamp, just bring it on by the shelter. We thank all who give so generously of their time, talents, supplies and monetary donations. We could not operate the shelter without your help.

Some current material needs include water resistant or water proof aprons to be used for bathing the dogs, flats from pop/beer/canned goods that will be used as disposable cat litter pans to help prevent the spread of disease, and towels and bedding. The bedding should be warm (like fleece), but quick and easy to wash and dry. Donations of puppy, kitten, dog and cat food are always welcome as is non-clumping cat litter.

Drivers Needed. The shelter plans numerous Rover Runs during the year and needs responsible drivers to take the puppies to new homes in the North. Dorothy Harris coordinates the transports and can be reached at 423-836-1669 or 423-884-3561 to answer any questions you may have.

The Kuranda beds that the dogs have been enjoying during the warm months will be replaced with warm bedding and dog houses for the cold weather. If you would like to donate blankets and bedspreads that could be used for winter warmth please drop them off at the shelter. If you'd like to contribute a dog house, please call the shelter to see what sizes might be needed.