The annual giving day THE BIG PAYBACK - hosted by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is returning on
Wednesday, May 5 at 6:00 pm and continues until 6:00 pm on May 6.
Friends of WCAC is excited to participate again this year which helps us raise funds for the animals to not only to find their forever homes but also providing critical medical needs, training, enrichment programs and much more. We also have contribute to the construction of the new shelter which will be open later this year.
The Big Payback is one of our biggest single fundraisers of the year and this time, we are setting our sights on reaching $35,000 during the giving day.
We hope you will join us and support us on May 5-6!
In case you are not available on May 5-6, the Early Giving starts tomorrow at 6 pm.
For more information about TBP, please go to www.TheBigPayback.org
You can also help us raise funds by creating your own fundraiser. Here are the steps:
1. Got to https://www.thebigpayback.org/FriendsofWCAC
2. Click on "Start your Fundraiser" on near the top right corner
3. Create your campaign and click the Submit Campaign for Approval
Thank you so much, we are so grateful for your support!
During these unprecedented times, we could all use a story that has the ability to shed a little light.
Let me introduce you to Niko.
Contributed by Hannah O’Leary
Niko spent over 150 days being the beloved goofball at the Williamson County Animal Center. He was loved and cared for by many of the shelter volunteers, who all poured a lot of work into training him. Being only one-year old when he was surrendered to the shelter, Niko had some behavioral issues that needed some attention. The WCAC volunteers worked many hours with Niko and watched him progress with every day that went by. He was the “playgroup rockstar”, as one volunteer put it, because he was able to participate in and consistently excel at group play - a program taught by DPFL (Dogs Playing For Life) that was sponsored by Friends of WCAC and is greatly utilized at the shelter. D
Despite the progress in his behavior and his ability to make friends with EVERY dog he met, Niko was continually passed over by potential adopters visiting the shelter.
Cue our Nashville Predators captain, Roman Josi and his wife Ellie!
Left: Niko posing with Roman & Elli and their dogs Bella (WCAC alumni) & Kingsley
Top right: Niko already making Roman jealous by getting so much of Ellie’s attention!
Right lower: Niko having a great time lounging at the swing in their back yard
Due to Covid-19 and the NHL season being called off for safety measures, Roman and Ellie stepped up and wanted to use their free time to foster a dog for WCAC. They currently own two dogs themselves, a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Kingsley and WCAC alumni, Bella, a German Shepherd. After bringing their dogs to the shelter to meet some of the WCAC dogs, there was one little man who caught their eye...none other than Niko.
After a successful group play session with their two dogs, the Josi’s quickly decided they wanted to foster Niko.
So off he went to the Josi’s home for an adventure he so desperately needed!
After over 150 days in the shelter and less than three short days with Roman and Ellie, Niko finally got his chance to shine!
After seeing the social media posts of Niko at the Josi’s home, a couple contacted Ellie through social media inquiring about adopting him. The shelter coordinated a meet and greet with the young couple the following day and, you guessed it, it was love at first sight!
Niko went to his furever home that day with a smile as wide as the sun!
The graciousness of the Josi’s, the effectiveness of fostering, and the power of social media put Niko in the home he so deserved.
No more waiting and no more watching people walk by day after day, Niko (now Rocko) has quickly adjusted to his new life with his brand new people!
Niko with his new furever owners
Be well, handsome boy, we will miss you!
And more success stories
Contributed by Cyndi Finucane
Bo and Diddley had a bit of a rough life. They had lived outside and human interaction was minimal and limited to the woman who found them abandoned. They were both very guarded and shut down initially.
Because of the compassionate and dedicated staff and volunteers at WCAC, they slowly became more trusting and relaxed. They gradually accepted love and affection and returned it sweetly. Diddley and Bo were introduced to playgroups at the shelter where they enjoyed spending time and playing with fellow shelter dogs.
Bo was adopted in early March by a very kind woman. She understood that he needed time and patience to get used to his new surroundings and learn to trust her. He is happy and doing very well in his new home and with his kitty fur sibling!
Diddley was fostered for a couple of weeks by one of our volunteers. He gained a great deal of confidence being with their three easy going, self assured dogs. It wasn’t long before Dids was greeting his fosters with butt wiggles and kisses every morning! He settled in very well and loved playing with his foster siblings. He was recently adopted by a nice young couple. They have been very patient and given him time to adjust to his new home. He is doing beautifully now and loves hanging out with his two rescue brothers!
Two more success stories as a result of providing shelter and developing trust with patience and love. We can’t do anything about their past but we can better their future.
Diddley in his new home with his family