TN Death Row Dogs

January hasn’t come to an end just yet, but I wanted to share some of the dogs we have saved so far from euthanasia.  We have been very busy!  On January 4th, we saved the lives of nine dogs from two shelters.  All of these dogs were scheduled to be euthanized that day.

Meet Dexter, who was rescued from Manchester Animal Control just in the nick of time.  He was then taken straight to Columbia Hospital for Animals to have his skin condition assessed by the amazing Dr. Vaughn, our primary veterinarian.  It turns out Dexter has a yeast infection, but is now being treated with special baths.  He'll be good as new in no time!  

Dexter is currently looking for an amazing home to call his own.  He has been vaccinated, dewormed, heartworm tested (he is negative), neutered and microchipped.  If you're interested in making this sweet boy a part of your family, please contact Christine, our Adoption Coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

January hasn't come to an end just yet, but I wanted to share some of the dogs we have saved so far from euthanasia.  We have been very busy!

On January 4th, we saved the lives of nine dogs from two shelters.  All of these dogs were scheduled to be euthanized that day.

This guy is as sweet as they come!  All he wants to do is kiss you all over and lay in your lap.  After pulling him with the help of Partners for Pets in Clayton County, GA, he was taken to Community Animal Hospital in Cleveland.  After receiving all of his vaccinations, being dewormed, heartworm tested and neutered, he hitched a ride to us in Spring Hill and officially became available for adoption.  We are happy to report that he has already found a wonderful family!  We are absolutely thrilled that they live in Spring Hill and hope to run into him again one day!

Jeff has lost his voice and sadly won't be able to perform for his CD release party tomorrow night, January 10th.  This event will be rescheduled and the new date will be announced here.  Thank you everyone and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused those who planned on attending.

TN Death Row Dogs proudly present our Singer/songwriter partner for the month, Jeff Jacob & My 2 Cents.  Please join us for a CD Release party next Thursday, January 10th!  All CD sales that night will benefit our efforts to raise funds for shelter construction. 

Here are the details:

Event Venue - Flash City Tattoo - 2204 Elliston Place in Nashville - 2nd floor directly across the street from The Gold Rush
Doors open - 6:45 - Music starts 7ish - the band will play for 1 hour
Raffle prizes
Dog adoption info. table
Munchies and coffee - maybe you'll get your first or next tattoo!
** Jeff is donating 50% CD sales to us all this month, and you can write us for details, but we'd love to see you out there next Thursday night when ALL CD sales benefit TDRD!  No cover charge, although donations to pay the band will be accepted.

If you can't make the event, you can still buy Jeff's new CD "7 Days"!  For $15 you'll receive 12 songs, and guess what? We receive 7.50 for each CD purchased between December 18th and January 18th, 2013! IMPORTANT - When you fill out your order form in the name field of the address form, please add "TDRD" next to your last name to insure we receive credit for your purchase. Our Goal is 500 CDs in the next 30 days, and they make great stocking stuffers even if they get there a bit after Christmas!

Here is the direct link to purchase his CD: http://jeffjacobandmy2cents.bandcamp.com/album/7-days-the-album

The Hard Rock Cafe threw an amazing fundraiser for us this past Saturday called Party for Paws.  There were well over 150 people who turned out for the event and 12k dollars were raised for our rescue!  These funds will help us save many deserving dogs from death row who ended up there at no fault of their own.  We were in awe of Rachal Zembrycki's tireless efforts to make this night absolutely perfect and she succeeded!  The staff at the Hard Rock were passionate about our cause and were excited to be a part of our big night.  We can't thank them enough for going above and beyond.  The Hard Rock most definitely rocks!  To view more photos, please check out our Facebook page!

[caption id="attachment_694" align="aligncenter" width="300"] From L-R, Valerie Johnson, Judy Dore, Brian Zembrycki, Christine Dennis, Britni Cahill, Jamie Hawkins, Rachal Zembrycki and our mascot, Spud.

We have been waiting with a childlike excitement for our Party for Paws at the Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville.  Two more days is all thats left until the big night!  For those wishing to buy tickets, there are still tickets left and can be purchased at the door just prior to the event starting at 5pm.

Yesterday, a few more items were donated to our silent auction.  The Hard Rock Cafe in Myrtle Beach donated a weekend getaway to sunny Myrtle Beach.  Our amazing vet Dr. Vaughn, of Columbia Hospital for Animals donated three microchippings, and we added a wonderful art piece donated by Parker Pressnell.  We thank them very much for their donations!

We can't thank Rachal Smith and the Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville enough for the hard work they have put in on this event.  They share our passion for giving second chances to all of these wonderful dogs in our state who so badly need and deserve them.  This night will change so many lives forever and we will be forever grateful for their kindness.

We hope to see you all there! 

~Jamie

Saturday, November 10th is our long awaited Party for Paws!  I've been giddy over this date since it was scheduled back in late July.  The Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville has put so much into this fundraiser for us and we are truly grateful.  Because of their efforts, we'll be able to offer many more second chances to dogs facing euthanasia in our state. 

Tickets for this event are still on sale and they are going fast!  They are $20 and include dinner, drinks (beer and wine too!), as well as live performances by Highway 101, Candice Crain, Josh Mullins, Brinn Black and Lee Gibson!  There will also be a silent auction taking place during the event with over 10k worth of donated items and at the end will be a raffle.

Here is the silent auction list and items will be added up until the big day!

* Royal Purple Gift Certificate and Garage Pack
* Train Wine and CD Basket
* Lia Sophia Jewelry
* Hard Rock Basket
* Wines that Rock Basket
* Autographed Rock picture book
* Grand Ole Opry autographed guitar
* Chambord Duffel & ladies accessories
* Jack Daniels Golf Pack
* Gatlinburg weekend getaway
* Memphis weekend getaway
* Check up certificate at Village Vet
* Gearz Basket
* Gene Simmons autographed guitar
* Handmade quilt
* Country Music Hall of Fame Basket
* GAC Prize Pack
* CMA Festival tickets
* 2 Lower level tickets to Music City Bowl and parking pass
* Collection of jewelry
* Art pieces
* Chillspot dog bed
* Kellie Pickler autographed guitar
* Dierks Bentley autographed guitar
* Jason Aldean autographed guitar
* Brother Trouble gift pack
* Gray Line Tours for 2
* Eric Church autographed t-shirt with poster
* Nashville Lifestyles Basket
* Handmade dog bowl stand by Burley Biscuit
* Handmade treat jar by Burley Biscuit
* Luke Bryan signed poster and shirt
* Attraction tickets from Franklin

If you would like to purchase tickets, there is still time!  You can contact the HRC at 615-742-9900, or you can send the funds for your tickets via Paypal to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Please add $2 to cover fees and S/H if using Paypal, along with your current address.  We'll get your tickets to you right away, or if late in the week, we'll have them waiting for you at the HRC!  We hope to see you there!

I have followed this proposed ban with little worry that it would actually pass.  I thought surely all the statistics and data from failed attempts at BSL in other cities would deter them from enacting such a ridiculous law... right?  Wrong.  Yesterday in a 3-2 vote, the city passed an ordinance to ban "Pit Bulls".  First of all, I've said it many times before and I'll say it again, Pit Bulls are not a breed.  This is a general label given to dogs that look a certain way.  It's no different from racial profiling, except apparently most see this as okay when it's done to dogs.  Voting in favor of this ban were Mayor Jim Bull, Vice Mayor Matt Goodin and Commissioner Jim Swayne. (timesfreepress.com, 2012)  Way to go guys that you think profiling is okay in 2012.

[caption id="attachment_673" align="alignleft" width="224"] Spud, our rescue mascot pictured here at 7 months old. Labeled at the shelter a "Pit Bull" and later DNA tested to show he is actually 50% American Bulldog, 25% Boxer and 25% Rottweiler. He is a prime example why labeling doesn't work, it's simply not accurate.


What bothered me as much as the ban itself is the wording in the ordinance.  Their claims against this "breed" are inaccurate and at times are downright ridiculous.  They are portraying these dogs to be some kind of blood crazed super beast.  I would find it laughable if it wasn't so ignorant.  These dogs have every imaginable card stacked against them.  They didn't choose to be the gang bangers dog of choice, they didn't choose to be forced to fight for their lives, they didn't choose to be chained up in backyards like lawn ornaments to face the elements.  They don't choose to be euthanized by the millions every year because backyard breeders won't stop trying to make more fighting dogs.  These dogs have been through enough, what they don't need is even more ignorance.

This ban allows those who currently own a "Pit Bull" to keep their dogs, but they must follow some pretty strict guidelines.  Owners must post "Beware of Dog" signs on their homes and kennel of their dog.  Owners must provide proof of $100,000 of bodily liability insurance to the city recorder, as well as turn over two colored photographs of their dogs.  The only places where the dogs can be kept are either inside their home or locked kennel.  Exceptions to this rule are only allowed when the dog must seek veterinary care.  Then the dog must be in a muzzle, "sufficient to prevent such dog from biting persons or other animals", and they must be kept on a 4 ft leash.  I'm pretty sure serial killers in prison get more leniency than this. 

[caption id="attachment_674" align="alignright" width="210"] Spud, our rescue mascot again at 11 months.


Furthermore, this ordinance gives the city the right to decide which dogs they deem to be "Pit Bulls".  Where does this end?  There are lots of breeds when mixed together could resemble a "Pit Bull" type appearance.  It is impossible to know what breeds are in a dogs genetic makeup without actual DNA testing.  Is Etowah going to DNA test each and every dog they decide looks like a "Pit Bull"?  My guess is no.  You can read the ordinance yourself, I swear I'm not making this stuff up.

Etowah, this breed ban is not going to solve any problems.  It's been proven time and time again by every place who has enacted a similar ban that they don't reduce the number of bite cases and they cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to enforce.  I hope you have lots of extra man power and money to throw away.  I feel sorry for these owners that love their dogs and now have to treat them like they've committed some kind of crime.  It's unfair, it's unjust and it will not solve the perceived problems.

The Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville was not only kind enough to hold a huge fundraiser for us, but they also had these gorgeous pins made to help raise money for our dogs!  These paw pins have just arrived and are on sale now for $12.  If those who would like to purchase one, you can do so at the Rock Shop inside the HRC in Nashville.  They are also taking orders via phone, to order please call 615.742.9900 ext. 104 and Rachal will be happy to help you.  The funds raised from these pin sales will go directly to TN Death Row Dogs!

We will be at the Tractor Supply store in Thompsons Station this Saturday, October 20th from 10-3.  We will be bringing some of our amazing adoptable dogs and holding a bake sale/cookout!  Come on out to say hello to us, our dogs and the awesome staff at Tractor Supply!

The Hard Rock in Nashville will be hosting "A Party for Paws" benefit for TN Death Row Dogs on November 10th!  The tickets have just arrived and are on sale now!  This red carpet event starts at 5pm and tickets include live entertainment, dinner, drinks and a silent auction in The Hard Rock's exclusive Reverb Room and Ledge.

[caption id="attachment_650" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville


There are sponsorship packages being offered for this event:

Great Dane Sponsorship - $2,000:

• 8 invitations to the event


• Logo inclusion on all media advertising


• Logo inclusion on all media GOBOs


• Logo inclusion on all monitors scrolling throughout the event


• Social promotion through HRCN and TNDRD


• Table to promote your business at the event


• Product or donation of items featured in the silent auction


• Product or services mentioned by the Emcee

Yellow Lab Sponsorship - $1,000 (3 opportunities)

• 4 invitations to the event


• Logo inclusion on all monitors scrolling throughout the event


• Social media promotion through HRCN and TNDRD


• Product or donation of items featured in the silent auction


• Product or services mentioned by the Emcee

Border Collie Sponsorship - $500 (10 opportunities)

• 2 invitations to the event


• Logo inclusion on all monitors scrolling throughout the event


• Product or donation of items featured in the silent auction


• Product or services mentioned by the Emcee

Chihuahua Sponsorship - $100 (20 opportunities)

• 2 invitations to the event


• Product or donation of items featured in the silent auction


• Product or services mentioned by the Emcee

Please call for more information on the sponsorship packages available:

The Hard Rock Nashville 615-742-9900

Rachal Smith - Sales x 104

Michelle Jacobs - Sales x 106

To purchase tickets, please Paypal your ticket order to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  The tickets are $20 plus $2 shipping and handling.  Please make sure to note your name and complete address with your payment.  Tickets can also be ordered by sending a check or money order to TN Death Row Dogs, PO Box 1015, Spring Hill, TN 37174.  We hope to see you there!

While browsing our Facebook threads on some of the urgent postings from last night, I noticed a couple of comments that were similar.  These people said they couldn't bare to see the dog's scheduled for euthanasia anymore and they had to "unlike" our page.  A couple of other comments begged us to "stop killing" the dogs and give them more time. 

First of all, we have absolutely no say in which dogs are euthanized or when it will happen.  We are simply a handful of people that are doing everything we can to increase their exposure and hopefully, increase their chances of making it out alive.  We pull as many as we can through our rescue, but there are simply too many for us to be able to save alone. 

I understand why people want to look away from these faces.  I know all to well how saddening it can be.  I have to scroll through euthanasia lists every single day and look at these faces.  There are nights that I'm exhausted from work and college but I see these dogs and I know that we might be their last hope.  I know that one post could very well save their life because they will been seen by thousands of people and shared hundreds of times.  There are 1,250 dogs that have been posted on our Facebook page and are now safe in less than one years time.  This is because people saw their faces, read their stories and shared them with their friends, who shared with their friends....  These dogs need us and we can't turn our backs on them because it's too painful to see.  Without the effort of people who care, many more will die in shelters everyday, alone and afraid.  Everyone can make a difference for them whether it's done by fostering, transporting, volunteering or sharing a post.  Every person and every action matters, their lives depend on it.   ~Jamie

A few nights ago while looking through one of the many euthanasia lists we are sent everyday, I came across these pictures of Dottie taken by the shelter.  I felt so terrible for her and what she must be going through in her current condition.  Naturally, I wanted immediately to help her but I wasn't sure exactly how much medical care she would need.  I decided either way, we needed to help Dottie.  Her life clearly hasn't been a pleasant or easy one because no one that loves their dog allows them to end up in this kind of condition.

[caption id="attachment_633" align="alignright" width="300"] Dottie at the shelter. Photos by Partners with Clayton County Animal Control.


I inquired for more information and found that she was seized in a drug raid on her home with another dog, George.  I scrolled through the list to locate George and found his sad, hopeless face.  His body was missing a lot of hair and he had what looked to be an itchy, painful looking skin condition.

There are always decisions to be weighed for any rescue when they take a new dog.  What kind of treatment are they going to need, do we have the space for them and how long will they need to be in our care.  These factors help me determine if we can afford to take them.  Being that we run on donations (for the most part anyway), each and every dog we take is an important decision.

One thing that I did know though was that it wasn't right to leave George behind.  I refused to make him have to watch the only familiar face in his life be led away.  These two dog's worlds have just been turned upside down and they need each other right now.  It also seemed very certain that if we didn't take George, we would be leaving him to die, alone.

[caption id="attachment_634" align="alignleft" width="300"] George's shelter photos. Courtesy of Partners with Clayton County Animal Control


Today with the help of Partners with Clayton County Animal Control, Dottie and George were pulled from the shelter where they almost lost their lives and transported to Community Animal Hospital in Cleveland, TN.  I have already called and scheduled Dottie's surgeries to correct her eyes, which will take place next week.  We'll have more information regarding their skin conditions later in the day tomorrow as they arrived just before the clinic closed today.

If anyone would like to donate towards their care, it would be a tremendous help to us.  The vet has agreed to accept debit card donations over the phone to put towards their bill and their clinic number is (423)472-3252.  We are also accepting donations via a FundRazr fund set up for them at the following link: http://fnd.us/c/aLeQ8

Please keep Dottie and George in your thoughts and prayers.  They have a long road to recovery, but they will heal and we will help find them amazing homes.

We receive lots of urgent pleas via email, some from shelters and some from people who find stray dogs.  It is rare that volunteers from a shelter will call me, but that's exactly what happened this morning.  I knew that for them to call me at 6am, this dog must be pretty darn special.

[caption id="attachment_618" align="alignright" width="300"] #123023 - Henry (Clayton County Animal Control)


Maria told me the story of Henry, a 6 month old Pit mix puppy that was a shelter favorite.  They would let him come out in the lobby and he was as sweet as could be.  Days ago, another rescue came to pull two dogs and Henry was able to escape his kennel.  He followed the other dogs out, his tail wagging, full of happiness and excitement because he thought this was his day.  The day he would finally leave the scary shelter behind.  The volunteers had to take Henry back and put him in his kennel which broke their hearts.  They knew they had to do what they could to save him, so they called us. 

[caption id="attachment_629" align="alignleft" width="300"] #123338 - Elliot (Clayton County Animal Control)


After a few seconds of deliberation, I agreed to take this 2nd puppy in need.  His name is Elliot and he will soon be joining our crew.  My hope was not only could we save these two lives, but perhaps the two kennels they left open will give two more dogs a little more time.  These boys will be here soon and will be available for adoption.  Thank you Clayton County Animal Control for everything you do to save the dogs in your care.  Not many shelters would take the time to call a rescue at 6am in the morning, but you did and we commend your efforts.

Tractor Supply is having their annual adoption day at stores nationwide on August 18th.  We'll be at the store in Thompson's Station from 10am - 4pm.  We plan to bring lots of our amazing adoptable dogs and vendors will be there as well.  I'll update once I know for sure which ones will be in attendance.  We'll be grilling food and it's going to be a great day, so come on out and join us!

For over a month we have been planning and gathering items for our silent auction!  We are very excited and have lots of wonderful items to auction off which will benefit our rescue dogs!  This auction will be at Bosco's in Cool Springs from 5-9 on Saturday, June 30th.  So far we have artwork, jewelry, autographed items, gift certificates, canoe trips, personal training sessions, frames, handcrafted items and so much more!  We hope you will all join us and please tell your friends!  The more people that come to bid, the more money dogs we can save!  Appetizers will be served and there will be a cash bar.  Let's make it a great night!

For all of those who have wondered what has happened to some of our special cases, I wanted to share their updates.  We take many dogs which I refer to as “medically challenged”.  They need a little extra time, medical care and TLC before they are able to be adopted.  Paisley has fought a hard battle, but today she looks beautiful.

[caption id="attachment_570" align="alignleft" width="300"] Before: A blurry picture of Paisley inside the shelter.


One Saturday, a rescue friend called to tell me she had a puppy for me.  She told me how starved and pitiful she looked on her walk through the shelter.  What impressed her the most was that Paisley didn't know she was starved or pitiful looking, she wanted her attention so badly.  I knew she wouldn't make it out in her condition so I knew we had to help her.  There was another puppy in the same kennel with her at the high kill shelter where they were and it didn't seem right to leave him behind so we took them both.

[caption id="attachment_573" align="alignright" width="300"] After: Paisley is ready for adoption!


A day or two after arriving at the vet near the shelter, they called to let me know that they suspected they both had Parvo so we had one tested.  Sadly, the test was positive and we started intense treatment immediately.  The other puppy taken with her was much healthier but a couple of days later lost his life to the virus.  Miraculously, Paisley fought Parvo with all she had and won.  This little starved puppy made it and we knew then that she was a fighter!

A month later, Paisley looks much different than the dog we pulled from the shelter.  She is happy, loving and most of all, spunky!  Paisley is going to make a great dog for a very lucky family and she is available for adoption now!

For all of those who have wondered what has happened to some of our special cases, I wanted to share their updates.  We take many dogs which I refer to as "medically challenged".  They need a little extra time, medical care and TLC before they are able to be adopted.  Grace's progress is nothing short of astounding.

[caption id="attachment_579" align="alignright" width="180"] Before: Grace pictured shortly after her arrival.


Grace was pulled from a high kill shelter where she came very close to losing her life.  She had a very severe case of Entropion, which caused her a great deal of pain and made her vision very limited.  Being disabled due to her vision made Grace an easy target for abuse.  She was reportedly punched and beaten in the face by some very cruel person and abandoned by her owners in this condition.  The bite scars and crusted blood were still present on her face upon arrival told just how recent her abuse was.  She was not only attacked by a person, but another dog leaving her littered with bites and what appeared to be cigarette burn marks on her hind quarters.

[caption id="attachment_580" align="alignleft" width="300"] After: Grace soaking up the sun on the porch of her foster home.


Our vets at the Animal Care Center of Carters Creek in Columbia performed two surgeries and gave Grace her vision back.  They did such an amazing job that it's hard to believe she is the same dog.  Shortly after, she was moved to a foster home with children and other dogs where she has thrived.  We have watched Grace slowly come out of her shy shell and start loving life.  She is currently available for adoption and is going to make some lucky family an amazing dog!

Painting with a Twist will be hosting a fundraiser for us this Saturday evening at their Spring Hill location from 7-9pm.  Seats are $35 which includes the canvas, brushes and paints used to create your masterpiece!  A portion of each seat sold will be donated to TN Death Row Dogs to help support our rescue.

Attendees are free to bring their favorite bottle of wine for a night of fun we won't soon forget!  We'll be taught step-by-step how to paint the featured painting and everyone will be able to take their painting home as a keepsake.

We hope to see you all there!  Here is the link to sign up: http://www.paintingwithatwist.com/events/viewEvent.aspx?eventID=60855

Our Facebook page hit a huge milestone today.  We now have 10,000 followers!  For each and every dog posted facing euthanasia, there are now 10,000 sets of eyes to see them and share the posts with their friends.  Thank you everyone who has donated, shared, transported, volunteered and fostered a dog from our page.  You guys have made the difference between life and death for hundreds of dogs in Tennessee!  ~Jamie