March 16 (23, 30)

Rabies Clinics: $10 rabies vaccination clinics for dogs and cats
1-4p.m.
27 area schools, locations available at: http://www.tennessean.com
Sponsored by Metro Public Health Department and the Nashville Academy of Veterinary Medicine

March 16th

Bake Sale to benefit the New Leash on Life Animal Rescue from Lebanon, TN
Paws 4 Health will be at the Tractor Supply in Lebanon, TN from 9:30 am – 2:00pm
We will also have our cookbook for sale and demonstrating how to keep your pets teeth and gums healthy. Come on out to see us and buy some yummy baked goods for you AND your furry friends!

March 23

“Easter Paws”  photos to benefit Freedom Farm
10a.m. – 2p.m.
PetSmart in Madison, TN (Rivergate)
Have your fur-baby’s photo taken in a cute set of bunny ears – or their favorite Easter outfit.  The Easter Bunny will not be in attendance that day but we will have a wonderful spring setting for the photos.
Bake Sale Too!  All proceeds will go to Freedom Farm to help with upcoming veterinarian bills (kitten season is coming!).

March 24

Nashville Lifestyles’ 2013 Cover Dog Search
1-3 p.m.
Cheekwood
Presented by The Nutro Company
“Bring out your dogs, BIG and small, to compete for a spot on the May cover of Nashville Lifestyles! A celebrity panel will judge the contest while pets and their owners enjoy music, snacks from Music City Flats, and offerings from our sponsors. Advance entry is $20 per dog, $25 on the day of the event.”
10 Dogs will be selected for the inside Fashion Spread!  And 1 will be selected for the cover! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Nashville Humane Association and Cheekwood.
More info at http://www.nashvillelifestyles.com

April 8, April 15, April 22, April 29, May 6 and May 13

FREE Feral Cat TNR Clinics
Provided by Nashville Paw, The Nashville Paw Foundation and Pet Community Center
“If you are ready to help feral cats in your community, contact the Pet Community Center today to get the help you need and to get scheduled for one of our clinics. Space is on a first-come reservation basis. To schedule, visit petcommunitycenter.org/feline-fix to fill out a form or email info@petcommunitycenter.org.”
For more information, visit http://www.nashvillepaw.com

April 13

Pedal for Paws, a cycling event benefiting Sumner Spay Neuter Alliance
8a.m.
Gallatin Civic Center
Presented by MARS petcare
“Third annual Pedal for Paws cycling event through scenic Sumner County. Routes are designed for all levels of cyclists with well-stocked rest stops along the routes. All rides begin and end at the Gallatin Civic Center.” Chose 12 miles, 30 miles or 62 miles
$25 entry fee or $30 the day of (all riders get a free post meal provided by Moe’s Southwest Grill). Pre-registered riders will also receive a t-shirt.
More info: http://sumnerspayneuteralliance.org/pedalforpawstn.html

April 18-19

Paws 4 Health at the Southern Women’s Show
 Nashville Convention Center – 
601 Commerce Street
Nashville TN, 37203
3 days on the Southern Women’s Cooking Stage….April 18th @ 2:30pm – April 19th @ 7:00pm – April 20th @ 4:30pm
Paws 4 Health sponsored by Tractor Supply – Jimmy Sloan, manager of the Lebanon, TN location.
We will be cooking foods that are quick, economical and healthy for you and your furry family members.  Come see us for lots of FREE samples and loads of furry fun!  It will be PAWSITIVELY wonderful!!

April 20

8th Annual Dog Daze of Hendersonville Benefiting Safe Place for Animals
10am – 3pm
Streets of Indian lakes in Hendersonville
We will have great vendors, a silent auction, snacks, dog training, and the rockin tunes of Big Nose Kate! It’s a great day for dogs to bring their owners out for a day of fun!  Don’t miss out!
More info: http://www.safeplaceforanimals.com/Events—Volunteering.html

April 26-28

PetSmart Adopt-a-thon at the Rivergate area Petsmart
Friday, April 26th from Noon – 4p.m. (cats/kittens)
Saturday, April 27th 10am – 3p.m. (dogs, cats/kittens)
Sunday, April 28th Noon – 4p.m. (cats/kittens)

May 1

Cause for Paws Benefitting the Nashville Humane Association
11a.m.
Belle Meade Country Club
“An annual kick-off to spring, this is one of the Nashville Humane Association’s largest fundraisers.  Held at the Belle Meade Country Club, this year’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, chaired by Robin I. Patton, is not to be missed!  Guests will enjoy a spring fashion show,  a delicious lunch and an auction packed with more than $60,000 worth of fantastic items.”http://nashvillehumane.org/Current_Events/Cause_for_Paws/

May 4

“Helping Paws Pet Care Clinic” (FREE Pet Care Clinic)
9a.m.-3p.m.
Safe Place for Animals shelter
1070 Old Hwy 109 N, Gallatin, TN 37066
“Providing free pet vaccinations, free rabies inoculations and a free basic veterinarian exam for financially qualified pet owners (food stamps, HUD, SS Disability, low income). The clinic will be limited to the first 90 companion (dogs and cats) animals and is funded by private donations through the SumnerCountyAnimals.com’s “Helping Paws” program.”

New Leash on Life’s Bark in the Park
11am-4pm
Wilson County Fairgrounds
 (James E. Ward Ag Center) 
945 E. Baddour Pkwy
Lebanon, TN 37087
“Bark in the Park is family friendly with activities for you, the kids and your dog.
Kid friendly activities will include bounces and a scavenger hunt. For your dog(s), there will be dog contests, an obstacle course and a pet treat station. That’s not all. We are looking forward to the acoustic corner, the “Look what the cat dragged in” yard sale and give aways. Food, of course, this year we have Your Dish is Our Command, Big O Concession and Lisa’s Kettle Corn. Come out and support a great cause while enjoying time with your family. See you there!”
More info: http://newleashonline.org/index.php/events

May 11

Nashville Paw Magazine Cover Dog Search!
1-4p.m. / RAIN OR SHINE!
Lenox Village Town Center
, 6900 Lenox Village Drive, 
Nashville, TN 37211
Entry: $20 per dog
“EVERY canine contestant will receive his or her contest photo in the August/September issue of Nashville Paw magazine, and one lucky pooch will become our next cover star! Plus, we’ll let our Facebook fans choose the “Crowd Favorite” winner to receive a special feature in the issue, and we’ll be selecting runner-up winners in the following categories: Best Big Dog
Most Adorable Little Dog
Best Mixed-Up Mutt
Best Pure Breed
Cutest Puppy
Sweetest Senior”
For more info and details, visit our event website at nashvillepaw.com/coverdog!

Tap “N “ Run Nashville
5p.m.
184 2nd Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37201
Proceeds will be donated to Freedom Farm in exchange for volunteer service. We need 40 volunteers to help set up – pour and serve beer – and clean-up. You do get to sample the beer at the end of the race, if you are interested. If anyone would like to volunteer for Freedom Farm they should contact Kim Patton akitas2love@yahoo.com to sign up.
For more info: http://www.tapnrun.com/Nashville/EventInfo.php

Ongoing:

My Second Home Pet Resort hosts fundraiser for  Agape Animal Rescue hoping to reach $10,000 by Oct. 1. More information at http://www.agaperescue.org.

FREEDOM FARM NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!!   If anyone is interested in volunteering for Freedom Farm we could sure use your time and talents.  Our organization is growing rapidly and we have many events planned for this year.  For more information or to sign-up as a volunteer, please contact Tracey Poindexter -our Volunteer Coordinator at traceylynne07@gmail.com.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Save the Date:

July 28th

Agape Animal Rescue’s Fifth Annual Glitter and Glam
5-8:00p.m.
The Hutton Hotel
1808 West End Ave
Nashville, TN 37203
An Extraordinary Fashion Show, Silent & Live Auction, and Wine-Tasting Event

The post Upcoming Spring Events in Middle Tennessee appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

The holidays are upon us and there is much to do! This holiday season consider helping local animals by adopting a pet, donating to a local shelter or organization or by participating in an event.

Adopt a Pet:

Year round you can save lives by adopting a pet!  In fact you are often saving two lives as you allow for additional space in a shelter. There is no greater gift than giving of oneself to help others even a four legged one who will in turn bless your life richly!

It is important to note generally pets should not be given as gifts (unless sanctioned by parents etc.) as the recipient really should be the one to choose and be ready for the commitment and responsibility that comes with owning a pet. It’s a grand gesture but often ends in dismay. For those of you who have been considering adoption and the timing is finally right-GO FOR IT!!! Some shelters like the Nashville Humane Association, offer adoption gift certificates during December so that family members can help pay for a pet but the responsible member will choose their pet.

Donate Supplies or Money:

Remember supplies are often just as critical as financial contributions! All shelters and rescue groups have much needed items on their wish lists. The Nashville Humane Association has a wish tree in their lobby. All  items requested are from their wish list. Check out all the other local groups listed on the website to see what is on their wish list. They could also all benefit from year end giving financial donations large and small.

Sumner County Humane Society has a simple “Pennies for Pets” campaign asking people to donate their spare change as “every penny county.”

Buy a Holiday Gift:

Several organizations are selling 2013 calendars and other great gift ideas:

The 2013 New Leash on Life wall calendar, starring Vanderbilt and all the other winners from this year’s calendar contest, are now available for purchase.
Cost:$10 Calendar ($12 with shipping) Purchase on line at http://newleashonline.org/index.php/2012-calendar-contest

Humane Society of Sumner County T-shirts and 2013 Calendar
Cost: $10 (available at their open house Dec. 15)

Attend an Event:

There are a variety of events to choose from this December to help animals from low-key pictures with Santa to a full day music festival.

Saturday, December 1
Freedom Farm’s Christmas with “Santa Paws” (photos with Santa)
11a.m.-4p.m.
PetSmart-Madison
2201 Gallatin Pike North
Madison, TN 37115
Cost: $9.95 for a 4×6 photo in holiday frame and Freedom Farm with receive $5 donation

Sunday, December 2
Holiday Pet Photos with Santa
1-4 p.m.
Nashville Humane Association
213 Oceola Avenue
Nashville, TN 37209
Cost:$40 includes Sitting, One (1) 5×7 and Two (2) 4×6 Prints
Holiday cards are available for purchase

Sunday, December 2
Freedom Farm’s Christmas with “Santa Paws” (photos with Santa)
11a.m.-4p.m.
PetSmart-Madison
2201 Gallatin Pike North
Madison, TN 37115
Cost: $9.95 for a 4×6 photo in holiday frame and Freedom Farm with receive $5 donation

Saturday, Dec. 8th
Photos with the Grinch or Santa! (Benefiting New Leash on Life)
10a.m.-4p.m.
Amy Rich Photography
706 West Main Street
Lebanon, TN 37089
No appointment needed!
Cost: $20 for 2 4X6 prints and a digital file of your photo. Proceeds will Benefit New Leash on Life’s Angel Fund “dedicated to providing medical treatment to the animals in our care.” Pets and people are welcome to come pose with the Mean Green One and/or the Jolly Old Elf!

December 8, 2012
Subaru Share the Love Adoption Event
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Teddy’s Wagon from Nashville Humane Association will be at Nashville Subaru
1512 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37023

Saturday, December 8
Freedom Farm’s Christmas with “Santa Paws” (photos with Santa)
11a.m.-4p.m.
PetSmart-Madison
2201 Gallatin Pike North
Madison, TN 37115
Cost: $9.95 for a 4×6 photo in holiday frame and Freedom Farm with receive $5 donation

Sunday, December 9
Freedom Farm’s Christmas with “Santa Paws” (photos with Santa)
11a.m.-4p.m.
PetSmart-Madison
2201 Gallatin Pike North
Madison, TN 37115
Cost: $9.95 for a 4×6 photo in holiday frame and Freedom Farm with receive $5 donation

December 15, 2012
Humane Society of Sumner County Christmas Open House and 38th Birthday  Celebration
11a.m.-3p.m.
16 Volunteer Drive
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Refreshments and Birthday cake will be served. Join the celebration. Also available for purchase new t-shirts and 2013 Calendars for #13.

December 15, 2012
Third Annual Miracle on Music Row with host Emmylou Harris
10a.m. to 3p.m.
O. Liv Body Bar in Edgehill Village
1200 Villa Place, Suite 404
Nashville, TN 37212
Cost: FREE, but there is a $20 suggested donation to benefit Bonaparte’s Retreat
It’s a full day of events including music by Sam Bush, Rodney Crowell, Mike Farris, John Hiatt, Buddy Miller and Kimmie Rhodes, a pet parade with Emmylou and Santa, pet costume contest silent auction, photos with Santa, food and holiday shopping. It’s also a big adoption event as local shelters/humane organizations will be on site like Teddy’s Wagon.

Saturday, December 15
Freedom Farm’s Christmas with “Santa Paws” (photos with Santa)
11a.m.-4p.m.
PetSmart-Madison
2201 Gallatin Pike North
Madison, TN 37115
Cost: $9.95 for a 4×6 photo in holiday frame and Freedom Farm with receive $5 donation

November 16, 2012 – December 24
Gaylord Opryland® Resort’s sixth annual Hall of Trees
Hall of Trees is part of Gaylord Opryland’s popular A Country Christmas; located in the Holly Jolly Town Square
Noon – 7:00 p.m. – November 18 – 20 and 25 – 29 and December 2 – 6 and 9 – 13
Noon – 8:00 p.m. – November 16 – 17, 21 – 24 and 30 and December 1, 7 – 8 and 14 – 24
Ryman Exhibit Hall
Gaylord Opryland Resort
2800 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
Cost: Admission is FREE. Single Ride Tickets – $3.00 or All Day/All Ride Pass – $12.00
The “Hall of Trees” is located inside the ‘Holly Jolly Town Square exhibit” which “is a step back in time to a nostalgic 1950s town square, complete with all the shops from main street, a holiday kids train, story time with Mrs. Claus at the library and more! Enjoy a visit to the Candy Store, or the all new Toy Store while visiting Holly Jolly Town Square,” (Gaylord Opryland).  All the trees and the gifts under them are donated by sponsors and auctioned off to raise money for local charities. Several local animal groups have trees this year including: Humane Society of Sumner County, Nashville Humane Association, Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, Robertson County Animal Control and Shelter, Elephant Sanctuary, and Weimaraner Rescue of the South. Bids may be placed online at or in person at the exhibit.The auction will close Monday, December 24, 2012, at 5 p.m. CST and the trees and gifts will be shipped to the winners for free by Friday, January 6.

Sunday, December 16
Freedom Farm’s Christmas with “Santa Paws” (photos with Santa)
11a.m.-4p.m.
PetSmart-Madison
2201 Gallatin Pike North
Madison, TN 37115
Cost: $9.95 for a 4×6 photo in holiday frame and Freedom Farm with receive $5 donation

Thank you in advance for helping local animals this holiday season!

The post In The News: Help Animals this Holiday Season appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.