by Rachel Petty
A local group with big hearts and big dreams is busy imagining a brighter future for our less fortunate furry friends here in Smith County.
The Smith County Animal Rescue Organization (SCARO) was founded in early January 2019, and since then, its members have set their sights on building a much-needed addition to our community: an animal shelter.
Smith County Insider spoke with Sherry Luzader and Faye Jones, two of SCARO’s prominent members, about the mission of the organization.
For both women, building a local animal shelter has been a dream for quite some time.
Although the organization is still in the beginning stages of fundraising and planning for this shelter, the members of SCARO are not waiting to help local animals in need.
In its first week of operation, the Smith County Animal Rescue Organization took in eleven animals, and that number continues to grow. These animals are being housed by SCARO members and in foster homes all over the county.
According to Sherry and Faye, SCARO is currently in an active search for a potential location for a shelter. The organization is considering existing structures that could be converted into a shelter, as well as locations where a shelter could be built from the ground up.
Members of SCARO have also been negotiating with the county about a potential plot of land in the vicinity of the landfill.
County leaders like Mayor Jeff Mason and Carthage Mayor Sarah Marie Smith have expressed initial support for the shelter project, but the members of SCARO know that the construction of a shelter will ultimately depend on the donations, volunteer hours, and support of the community.
To officially kick off its fundraising efforts, SCARO will host a dinner at 5:00 p.m. at the Smith County Ag Center on Thursday, February 7, 2019.
“We’re calling it a meet and greet so everyone can get to know us,” Sherry explained.
At the meet and greet dinner, plates of smoked pork or chicken, two sides, and a dessert can be purchased for $8 per plate for adults and $4 per plate for children 12 and under.
All proceeds from the event will go to the shelter fund.
Event attendees can bring pet supplies to donate for the chance to win a free t-shirt.
“We want [people] to come to the meet and greet and ask us whatever they want to ask us. That, and help back us and get involved. Smith County needs this really bad,” Faye commented.
Members of SCARO are also currently selling Krispy Kreme donuts. Donuts can be purchased form any member for $10 per dozen and will be delivered on February 12, 2019.
If you would like to assist the Smith County Animal Rescue Organization before the fundraiser on February 7, the organization will always happily accept donations.
Currently, SCARO is in need of dry dog food, cat food, pine shavings, laundry detergent, puppy pads, and other cleaning supplies, and people who are willing to foster or adopt the animals in SCARO’s care.
All physical donations may be dropped off at Poindexter Reality and Auction on Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., or pickup can be arranged with a SCARO member.
Additionally, monetary donations may be mailed to PO Box 384 in Carthage, Tennessee 37030 or deposited directly into the SCARO fund at any Wilson Bank & Trust location.
You can also call your County Commissioners and express your support for the shelter project.
To stay connected with the Smith County Animal Rescue Organization, like them on Facebook and visit their website. There, you can find applications for volunteering, fostering, and adopting animals in need, along with images of adoptable animals and donation wishlists.
If you would like to get involved with SCARO, the organization meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2019.
“As time goes on and people can support us, we can grow,” Faye told Smith County Insider.
“This is the beginning. We’re just starting. We can’t build a building without donations,” said Sherry.
The Smith County Animal Rescue Organization has big dreams, and its dedicated members and community supporters are taking steps to make those dreams a reality and get animals in need off the streets and into loving forever homes.
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