To the Honorable Members of the Trousdale County Board and Concerned Citizens,

We, the dedicated staff of the Hartsville Trousdale Co. Animal Shelter, are writing to you today with heavy hearts and an urgent plea for your immediate assistance. Due to the recent decision by the city board to drastically reduce our funding and resources, our ability to care for the vulnerable dogs in our community has been severely compromised.

As a result of these cuts, we are facing a dire situation. The shelter will be critically understaffed, leaving only one employee to manage the entire facility. This means we will no longer be able to provide the essential care these dogs need, including adequate feeding, cleaning, medical attention, enrichment, and most importantly, finding them loving homes.

We are heartbroken to admit that without sufficient funding and staffing, we cannot guarantee the safety and well-being of the animals currently in our care. We fear that the dogs who rely on us for shelter, love, and a second chance will be left with an uncertain future.

We implore you to take urgent action:

-Reverse the funding cuts: Restore the necessary resources to allow the shelter to operate effectively and humanely.

-Maintain staffing levels: Ensure that the shelter is adequately staffed to provide the essential care these animals need.

We understand that budgetary constraints are a reality, but we urge you to recognize the value of our shelter and the critical role it plays in our community. We are more than just a place for stray animals; we are a haven, a lifeline, and a symbol of compassion.

Time is of the essence. We urgently need your help to find loving foster or adoptive homes for the dogs currently in our care. We do not know what their future holds without proper support.

We are open to collaborating with you to find a solution that ensures the well-being of these animals. Please join us in this fight to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. Your action today can make all the difference.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and compassion.

Sincerely,

The Staff and volunteers of Hartsville Trousdale Co. Animal Shelter