Rescuing dogs

A non-profit organized to rescue dogs is in its third month of operation in Holly Springs, thanks to the love of canine friends.

Abandoned to Adored was approved in August for 501 c3 status. The dog rescue is a labor of love of four people Anita Barnett, Brenda Luther, Rita Clay and Louanne Tomlinson.

Barnett said the non-profit was established because, “We all love animals and have been picking up strays and taking care of them. I’m just overwhelmed”

The non-profit was suggested by a friend. The group has property donated to build a facility to house abandoned dogs until they can be adopted out, Barnett said.

“The first ‘stray’ was chipped and was reunited with its owner,” she said.

Most abandoned dogs are just wandering onto someone’s property and Abandoned to Adored gets a call.

Any dog that is taken in is carried to the veterinarian for a medical examination and spay/neuter.

Some rescues are sent to the northeast in Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New Jersey, where animal ordinances require pets to be spayed/neutered, Barnett said.

“They are looking for pets because there are no strays,” she said.

Monetary donations are needed to build a shelter. Dog food, toys, beds and other pet supplies are accepted.

“Since we started we have taken in about 15 dogs,” Barnett said. “We find a litter dumped together, and older dogs are usually by themselves.”

Her love for dogs goes back to childhood.

“I used to drive my parents crazy by picking them up while I was in high school,” Barnett said. “I want to stress how important it is to register your pet and to make sure it’s spayed or neutered to cut down on some of this. Any support we can get from the community we appreciate.

“But we really need money to get the non-profit on a sound financial footing.” Tomlinson said she’s had a soft spot for dogs and all types of animals going back to childhood.

She has 24 dogs, two that are hers and the others rescued.

“I’ve always rescued,” she said.

Lots of dogs are dropped off on the roads within a 10-mile radius of her home, she said.

“They just seem to jump out in front of me,” she said.

She has kept many of her first rescues.

“Some are 8 to 9 years old,” Tomlinson said. “They are getting to be seniors. Others are younger. I’ve bonded with them. The last one we rescued was in February 2021.”

Her husband Marshall has gotten attached to the rescues, too.

Caring for others comes naturally to Tomlinson. She works as a registered nurse at Baptist Collierville.

“Everybody calls me an animal whisperer,” she said. “It’s just unreal how they just migrate up to me. I just can’t turn them away…that’s my thing.”

Abandoned to Adored can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Messages can be sent to Abandoned to Adored can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Messages can be sent to abandonedtoadored@gmail.com. Donations can be made on Venmo and PayPal. For Venmo send donation to abandonedtoadored@gmail.com. For PayPal send donations to abandonedtoadored@gmail.com.