19/08/2026
News from the White County Humane Society by Monica Jicha
July was a record month for our spay/neuter assistance program. We funded a total of 134 surgeries: 5 female dogs, 6 male dogs, 66 female cats and 57 male cats. Our total for 2026 is 751 surgeries. While we’re very excited about the large number of cats being spayed or neutered, we’re also very disappointed in the low number of calls we’re receiving for assistance with dogs. Our shelter is overwhelmed, with new dogs being brought in every week…strays, owner relinquishments, and saddest of all, full litters of puppies. So much of this could be avoided if pet owners just took advantage of the help we’re willing to give. All it takes is a phone call, and a little bit of effort to get your dog to an appointment. PREVENTION is the best way to end overcrowding in our shelters. We have limited space on our transports, but we also work with the Major Mike Shipley Clinic in Cookeville, all three private vets in Sparta, and two wonderful clinics in McMinnville. Please spread the word to your family, friends and neighbors that low-cost spay/neuter is available to those who could use some help. And PLEASE, adopt, don’t shop. The shelter is full of beautiful, healthy dogs that need a forever home.
In February we told you about a $20,000 donation that we had received from the Joe T and Patricia S Snodgrass Charitable Trust. As of 29 July, all those funds have been exhausted. We were able to partially fund 405 surgeries thanks to this generous donation. 50 female dogs, 40 male dogs, 166 female cats and 149 male cats were spayed or neutered using trust fund money. This has had a huge impact on the success of our program, and saved thousands of lives through prevention. If you’re an animal lover, and want to make a difference, a donation to our organization will be used for one purpose only: spay/neuter. We want to once again thank the Board of Directors of the Snodgrass Trust for their generosity and support of our mission.
Our monthly transports go to one of two low-cost Spay/Neuter Clinics: the Joy Clinic in Lebanon or the Sequatchie Valley S/N Clinic in Dunlap. Due to increased cost of medications and surgery supplies, both clinics have recently been forced to increase their prices. We’re making every effort to NOT pass this on to our clients, but will be asking anyone that is able, to perhaps offer to pay an additional $5.00 toward the cost of their pet’s surgery.
If you’re interested in purchasing one of our t-shirts, they’re now available at the “Purple Iris” (old location,) and the “Community Corner” located in the Payless Pharmacy building. Thanks to both of these businesses for allowing us to display our shirts at your establishments. We’ll also have our shirts available for sale at the Liberty Square Celebration in October.
We recently received a $1000.00 matching grant from SpayTN. If you recall, in June we sponsored a booth at the Green Market. All proceeds from that event were matched by SpayTN (up to $500.00.) Thanks to the generosity of those who stopped by our booth, we surpassed that goal by over $800.00 and as a result, SpayTN increased their match to $1000.00. Thanks to all our supporters, and to SpayTN.
We’d like to welcome our newest member, Kellie Salley. Kellie has been involved in animal welfare for years, but now that she’s retired, has more time to devote to the cause. Kellie has already volunteered to do some graphics work for us. If you’re looking for a way to give back, we’re always looking for new members. Just a couple hours a month can make a big difference. We meet the second Monday of each month at the White County Library at 3pm. If you can’t attend meetings but still want to be involved, just give us a call at 931-935-8377.
If you need assistance having your pet spayed or neutered, please call us at 931-935-8377. Our assistance coordinator will explain our program, and tell you about the options available to you.
