RK’s Rural Animal Shelter Advocacy Page

09/13/2025

⚠️ RESCUE OR EXCELLENT HOME NEEDED ⚠️
📍 Bruceton, Tennessee. Carroll County.

Meet Cookie, a 10 years old senior girl who is looking for a new leash on life. ❤️‍🩹

When her original owner became homeless, Cookie could have easily ended up on the streets or worse. Thankfully, her owner’s daughter stepped in and took her in, along with several other dogs, doing the best she could in an already overwhelming situation.

While Cookie is cared for and loved, she currently lives outside on a chain. There’s no animal shelter in Carroll County, and resources are limited. Her current caretaker just underwent surgery herself and is now reaching out for help because she knows Cookie deserves more; especially in her senior years.

According to her current owner, Cookie is a good girl who, even at her older age, still enjoys playing with other dogs from time to time. Perhaps she might be a good companion for another older dog who still has some s***k; just like her! ❤️

Cookie deserves a place where she can settle. The last few months have been really confusing and hard, so it would be great if her next step was one that put her directly in her forever home.

According to her owner, Cookie is 10 years old and is a purebred American Pit Bull Terrier. She is already spayed, and is on heartworm prevention.

We are seeking an adopter or a rescue who can help get Cookie out of this situation sooner rather than later. If you can help, please reach out! Pledges towards Cookie’s veterinary care going forward may help secure a rescue. 🐾

05/23/2025

04/29/2025

URGENT RESCUE NEEDED- Milan, TN
A kind man recently took in a semi-feral mama cat and her three tiny kittens, but he’s unable to continue caring for them. He has no electricity, and unfortunately, mama is now sneezing and two of the babies are starting to show signs of illness as well.

One kitten has a shut, swollen eye that’s leaking pus when gently cleaned with a warm compress, suggesting a possible upper respiratory infection spreading from mom (pics below)

These babies are still very young! Approximately 3 weeks old and need medical care and a safe environment ASAP before things worsen.

Please, if any rescue can step in or if anyone is able to help network them, message us right away. Time is critical for this little family.

Mama has been living outside apart of a colony but has been inside with her kittens in the last week or two and lets the home owner touch her.

03/05/2025

🛑 Why Senator London Lamar's Vote Against SB 916 is a Serious Mistake for Animal Welfare in Memphis and Shelby County 🛑

In a shocking and deeply troubling move, Senator London Lamar—who represents District 33, which includes Southeast Memphis and parts of Shelby County—voted against SB 916, a crucial bill that would add animal fighting to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) in Tennessee. This bill aims to treat organized animal fighting as the violent, criminal enterprise it is, opening the door for much-needed resources to combat this horrific practice. 🐾

Despite growing evidence of animal fighting operations thriving in Memphis and Shelby County, Senator Lamar voted no, dismissing the bill as "not needed." But let’s take a look at the facts.

1. Dog Fighting Is Rampant in Our Community

Over the past year alone, we've seen multiple cases of animal fighting uncovered in Memphis and Shelby County. These aren't isolated incidents; they reflect an ongoing crisis that can no longer be ignored:

January 2024: A man was charged after authorities discovered an animal fighting operation in Nutbush, a community in Memphis. 10 dogs were seized along with 107 birds. https://tinyurl.com/RICOEx1

December 2023: Authorities discovered 10 dogs being abused and used for fighting purposes in Memphis. These dogs were subjected to brutal conditions, many of them suffering from horrific injuries. https://tinyurl.com/RICOEx2

October 2023: A dog fighting ring was uncovered in West Memphis, where 35 dogs were rescued, and two men were arrested. The horrific conditions these animals endured reflect the deep-rooted nature of this crime. https://tinyurl.com/RICOEx3

2. The Ripple Effects on Our Shelters and Communities

These dogs, if they’re lucky, make it into animal shelters. But many others aren’t so fortunate. Animal shelters across Memphis and Shelby County are already overburdened with the sheer number of abused and neglected animals. These victims often suffer incredibly cruel deaths—either through the fight itself or through being abandoned and left to die in horrific conditions. The passage of SB 916 would enable law enforcement to target the entire criminal networks behind these operations, addressing the root of the problem.

Without strong legal action, like RICO designation, it’s too easy for animal fighting rings to operate in the shadows and continue to spread like wildfire, leaving a trail of tortured animals in their wake.
3. Why Senator Lamar's Vote Matters

It’s not just about one vote—it’s about standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Memphis is being hit hard by these crimes, and yet, Senator Lamar's vote to reject SB 916 sends the message that animal fighting is not a priority. This isn’t just a problem for animal advocates—it affects every single one of us. These cruel acts perpetuate cycles of violence, and Memphis deserves a Senator who will fight to protect both animals and communities.
4. It’s Time for Change

We need our leaders to recognize the severity of this issue and take bold action. SB 916 is a step toward ending animal cruelty and dismantling these dangerous organizations once and for all. If we want to protect the innocent animals and improve our community, we must hold our representatives accountable for their actions—or lack thereof.

SB 916 is headed to the Senate floor for a vote—and we need your voice. The time to act is now. If you care about stopping animal cruelty and supporting the fight against organized crime in Tennessee, it’s time to demand that Senator Lamar and other lawmakers support this crucial legislation. The future of countless animals depends on it. 🐕

Take Action Now:

Contact Senator Lamar and express your disappointment in her vote against SB 916. Let her know that you expect her to stand with animals in the fight against cruelty. Email: [email protected]

Call your other local lawmakers to ensure they support SB 916 on the Senate floor.

Join the conversation: Spread the word about the importance of this bill. Tag your friends and fellow animal advocates in this post; encourage them to take action as well!

Support local shelters: They’re on the front lines, and they need our support.

Memphis deserves a Senator who will fight for the voiceless, not one who dismisses the need for action. It’s time for all of us to stand together and make sure SB 916 passes..

02/17/2025

PUPDATE: Honey has been adopted! 🐾❤️

❤️🚨 RESCUE OR ADOPTER NEEDED 🚨❤️
**TO BE EUTHANIZED TOMORROW, 2/18**

📍 Located at a rural pound in Dresden, TN. This is a small facility with a very small volunteer group that does their best, but exposure for their dogs is extremely limited. Dresden Dog Pound is full and we need to get this girl a home!📍

Meet Honey!
This poor soul has been waiting for a home for a very long time and is now out of time. She arrived at the shelter when she was only about 6 months old back in August… SIX MONTHS AGO. Honey has grown up in the shelter due to no fault of her own, and really needs a second chance. 😨

Honey is known around the pound for her precious smile. She is always smiling, despite the circumstances! This baby is an angel who is sweet, and loves to meet new people at every opportunity she gets. While she is still young, she maintains a very calm disposition and isn’t super energetic like some dogs her age. She is at risk of euthanasia simply due to space issues, and has no behavioral problems. Honey appears to get along well with other dogs.

Honey has been spayed and has had all of her vaccinations. At this point she is a year old and around 50 pounds. 💕

Honey is located at the Dresden, TN dog pound in Dresden, TN. She is at risk of being euthanized tomorrow, 2/18, and really needs an adoption or rescue commitment before the end of today to be safe. Adopters should contact the shelter if interested in adopting. If you have trouble reaching an employee, please message us and we will do our best to get you in touch.

Honey will not live unless you SHARE AND TAG! Please help this girl. 🚨

01/11/2025

UPDATE: In foster to adopt! 🎉

**$25 in pledges 🐾**
**Has offer to transport to any rescue group within the state of Tennessee. 🚗**

‼️‼️It’s a new year, already bringing several new challenges in animal welfare. 11 days into 2025, we have received notice that Brownsville Haywood County Animal Shelter is critically over capacity and considering euthanasia for several long timers in shelter. ‼️‼️

📍 Brownsville, Tennessee, Brownsville Haywood County Animal Shelter 📍

Maple is one of those long timers, and has been marked as urgent at this time. 💔

Maple arrived to the shelter as a stray in November. With her playful and outgoing nature, we are certain that she was owned at some point. These days, it is unfortunately easier for owners to abandon their pets in shelter rather than take any responsibility. So now, after giving around 6 years of her life to a family, Maple finds herself at risk in a rural shelter with nowhere to go. 💔

Despite her past, Maple is a playful and HAPPY girl who loves meeting new people. Her instant reaction to any new encounter is joy rather than any sort of fear or timidness. She adjust extremely well to new situations which drives us to believe she would make herself right at home with ease if any family decided to give her a chance. Despite her age, she has a puppy like playfulness to her that simply cannot be beat! We think her little smile is so adorable and she has the cutest wiggly butt ever. She not only gets along well with other dogs, but THRIVES in their presence. We rarely say this, but she would be absolutely perfect in a home with other dogs. She has also shown signs that she may already be house trained. We know that there are so many people out there who would sooner adopt a puppy than a middle aged dog, but Maple needs you! ❤️‍🩹

Maple is 6 years old and very petite, weighing only 35 pounds and is full grown! She has already been vaccinated, treated for internal/external parasites and was spayed thanks to a generous donor of the shelter. Maple is heartworm negative. ⚕️

Maple is located at the Brownsville Haywood County Animal Shelter where she is considered urgent due to overcrowding in shelter. To inquire about Maple, please contact them directly at 731-432-2839. Their adoption fee is $75. There is no pull fee for reputable 501c3 rescue groups, and transport may be available if local to Brownsville, Tennessee.

**Rural shelter dogs do not stand a chance without networking, so please remember to share and tag any rescue groups you believe may be able to help.

11/12/2024

UPDATE: Lizzie was rescued and her leg has been treated! Thank you to everyone who shared. 🐾

**$250 in pledges**

🚨🚨INJURED DOG STUCK IN RURAL SHELTER, NEEDS RESCUE! 🚨🚨
**PLEDGES WOULD HELP!**

📍Humboldt, TN- Humboldt Animal Shelter does not have a medical budget and received an injured Australian shepherd mix pup. Badly needs a rescue to receive diagnosis and treatment 📍

This girl is LIZZIE! She came into a rural shelter in Humboldt, TN with an injured left rear leg. According to shelter staff, the leg is bothering her quite a bit and really needs to be checked out. They, like many rural shelters, are very limited on the amount of medical they can do on the dogs in their care. Especially a possible broken leg which will require extensive treatment. The best outcome for Lizzie would be that she gets to a rescue that can handle her medical needs and have time to recover in a foster home before being adopted out. 🙏

Lizzie is a very friendly and outgoing dog who has never met a stranger. She is loyal, and very excited every morning when the staff comes in for the day. They have referred to her as very gentle. Lizzie gets along with other dogs, and despite her injury, tries to play with them whenever the opportunity arises. She appears to walk well on a leash, but due to obvious reasons, can’t get out of her kennel much at this time. With her gentle nature and sweetness, we think she would fit just fine in a foster home with kids if needed! ❤️

Lizzie is 45 pounds and around two years old. She has been vaccinated, treated for internal/external parasites and has tested negative for heartworm disease in shelter. 🐾

This dog is located at the Humboldt Animal Shelter in Humboldt, TN. They have no pull fee for reputable 501c3 rescue groups, and can arrange transport to groups within the West Tennessee area. To inquire about pulling Lizzie under your rescue, please message their page or call at 731-618-7992.

11/11/2024

❤️🚨 RESCUE OR ADOPTER NEEDED 🚨❤️

📍 Located at a rural pound in Senatobia, Mississippi. This is a small facility with a very small volunteer group that does their best, but exposure for their dogs is extremely limited. Senatobia-Tate County Animal Shelter is full and we need to get this girl a home!📍

Meet Jessie!
This little girl came into a shelter in rural Mississippi back in April as a young pup. After 7 months, Jessie has grown up in shelter at no fault of her own. 😞

Jessie is a friendly and outgoing little lady who loves the world around her as well as everyone she meets. She is the type of dog that is always down for adventure, especially after living 7 months in a tiny kennel! Despite the length of time she has spent in shelter, she remains optimistic and hopeful that she may one day find a home of her own. Volunteers say that she is a GREAT cuddler and loves to play fetch! Jessie gets along with other dogs, and would be good for a home with kiddos she can play with. ❤️

Jessie weighs only 50 pounds at about a year of age now. She won’t get any bigger! She has been completely vaccinated, treated for internal/external parasites and has tested negative for heartworm disease. 🐾

Jessie is located at Senatobia-Tate County Animal Shelter in Senatobia, MS. She would be grateful for a forever home or a rescue group. Her adoption fees are $100, which is a steal for a completely vetted small dog! Adopters should contact the shelter if interested in adopting, from there they will be required to fill out an adoption application. 🐾

11/07/2024

❤️❤️ Adopted! ❤️❤️

🛑 NEEDS A HOME OR RESCUE 🛑
📍Batesville, MS/ Batesville City Pound 📍
** This facility only houses dogs 21 days prior to euthanasia no matter the situation; all dogs are urgent!

This boy is the longest resident at Batesville City Pound which means he is next to getting euthanized. He came in mid October, so his time is running very short and we would like to help prevent the worst from happening to him. ❤️‍🩹

Look at that sweet face! This guy is full of life and appears to be an absolute light. According to volunteers, his favorite way to greet visitors is by popping his head out the top of the kennel and doing a little dance on the top of his dog house. We are sure he would make a wonderful companion for some lucky family.

To those considering adoption, great news! All dogs adopted from this pound are eligible to be spayed/neutered for only $30 which is a STEAL! For rescue groups, there is no pull fee and we will help you in arranging transport as needed. 🙂

If interested in adopting, we urge you to message the page tagged above which will get you in contact with volunteers! He is also available for a foster home which would save his life. ❤️

Please share and tag any friends, rescues who may be interested in helping this cutie. 🐾

11/07/2024

🚨🚨 Grant County Animal Shelter KY needs adopters! 🚨🚨

📍 Williamstown, KY 📍

Look at this pretty hound girl, Raja! 🐾

According to comments on the shelter page, it appears that Raja has been abandoned by her previous owners who do not wish to reclaim her for whatever reason. She has raised at least one litter of puppies in the past. ❤️‍🩹

Despite the unfortunate turn of events that have left Raja homeless, she remains to be a sweet and outgoing girl. She does great with other dogs, kids and cats! This is pretty impressive for shelter dog, and we hope her friendliness will grab on the hearts of some lucky adopter. The shelter has noted that Raja also walks well on a leash and appears to be housebroken! 🐶

Raja is between 1-2 years of age and weighs 40 pounds currently. Raja is currently scheduled to be spayed, is current on vaccines/deworming and flea/tick precaution. 🐾

As mentioned above, Raja is available for adoption at the Grant County Animal Shelter in Williamstown, KY. Raja’s adoption fee is $120, and the shelter accepts cash/check. All adopters must complete an adoption app prior to adopting. If interested in Raja, please email the shelter at [email protected] to get an adoption application. For any questions about Raja, we reccomend calling the shelter at 859-824-9403!

Please share Raja! This shelter is struggling with capacity and we’d all love to see her get her forever home that she’s been waiting for. 🐾