PAWS Holds Weekly Pet Adoption Fair

By Deah Williams

Motlow Buzz Reporter

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Pet Adoption and Welfare Services of Rutherford County hosted a pet adoption fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 15 at PetSmart in Smyrna, Tennessee, where many animals found a new home.

On Saturday, PAWS sent a trailer to PetSmart for its pet adoption event. The trailer was attached to one of its vehicles, providing air conditioning or heat, electricity and water. The trailer did so even without the vehicle running. This made it easy for pet owners to adopt pets straight from the trailer.

The trailer held four to eight dogs at a time depending on the size of the animals. If the dogs got along, attendants were able to put two to a kennel, making more room for more dogs to get adopted.

“In the past, we would try to go to the Murfreesboro and Smyrna PetSmarts every weekend, but it was difficult as our staff stays very busy,” said Lindsay Frierson, the public relations media specialist at PAWS of Rutherford County. 

The PAWS staff decided that it was best to send animal specialists out every third Saturday to the Smyrna location, and every fourth Saturday to Murfreesboro, to improve their pet adoption efforts.

“It is definitely a major help to the organization in finding homes for these animals,” said Frierson.

Adopting animals from PAWS has no worries behind it.  The animals come spayed or neutered and tested for heartworms and illnesses. The adoption fee varies between each animal, but will not exceed $80. Anyone who is interested in adopting for approval, should allow themselves 30 minutes to an hour to fill out paperwork.

Volunteers get to walk and play with all of the animals.
(Photo by Deah Williams)

Dozens of people visited the trailer in an effort to find new pets. Although not every animal was adopted, a few found new homes. The animal specialists shared stories about the animals and explained their personalities to help better their chances of getting adopted.

Lara, a pit-bull mix, shares her love.
(Photo by Deah Williams)

For more information on the PAWS adoption fairs, visit their Facebook page at PAWS of Rutherford County at www.facebook.com/rutherfordcountypaws. The website lists upcoming events and pet adoption fairs. 

###

Artists Raise Money for Show Hope

By Sally Quick

Motlow Buzz Reporter

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Christian music legend Steven Curtis Chapman hosted the “Sam’s Place – Music for the Spirit” concert held at the Ryman Auditorium on April 5 to support the Show Hope distressed orphan organization.

Chapman has enjoyed a successful music career. He won five Grammys and 58 Dove Awards. His notoriety gave him a platform to bring attention to homeless children. The 2015 Ryman concert series resulted from a partnership between Chapman and K-LOVE radio.

Jason Crabb with Chapman

Chapman has been a long-time advocate for overseas adoption. He and his wife Mary Beth started the Show Hope in 2003 to promote foster care and simplify placement for orphaned children. The couple have traveled to China numerous times and adopted three children of their own from the area.

“James 1:27 is so much of what Show Hope is about – to care for orphans and widows in distress,” Chapman said.

The Kroeker Family

One family who has benefited from Show Hope is the Kroeker family. Chapman introduced them on stage at the Ryman. They received a grant from Show Hope that helped to bring their two youngest sons into this forever home. The boys had special needs that required surgery. Now they can walk. They were very curious about being on stage and wandered around looking at all the sound equipment.

The Easter Sunday concert included performances by the Fairfield Four, the McCrary

Fairfield Four at the Ryman

Sisters, Jason Crabb, Charles “Chip” Esten, Colony House, and Francesca Battistelli. Chapman sang a song with each artist. His duet with Jason Crabb singing “I’d Rather Have Jesus” greatly moved the crowd. Crabb was excited to sing with one of his music heroes, saying, “Somebody get a picture!”

            The event’s name derived from evangelist Samuel Jones. Riverboat Captain Thomas Ryman attended one of Jones’ tent meetings and had a life-changing experience. Ryman later built the famous Union Gospel Tabernacle to give Jones a place to preach. Jones suggested that the building be called the Ryman Auditorium when he preached Ryman’s eulogy.

            Nashville radio station WLVU-FM, also called K-LOVE radio, recorded the series live. Other events included artists such as Amy Grant, Danny Gokey, Tenth Avenue North, the Isaacs, and Mercy Me.  The next concert will take place at 7 p.m. on May 3 and feature Ray Stevens, Diamond Rio, Aaron Tippin, Brandon Heath, and Crowder. More information can be found by visiting the Ryman website at www.ryman.com/SamsPlace14.

            Show Hope is a nonprofit organization that cares for orphans. The group provides Adoption Aid grants to families and coordinates placement for special needs children.

            “The financial barrier is not what should be stopping families from getting to these children,” Chapman said, adding that Show Hope’s mission is to help orphans in distress around the world.