Citizens protest Build An Ark in Downtown Ellijay
News March 5, 2022
ELLIJAY, Ga. – The scheduled protest to gather outside of the Gilmer County Courthouse on Friday, March 4, 2022, stretched out as some members traveled inside as well.
Shortly after arriving at 8 a.m. and then beginning the protest closer to 8:30 a.m., members of the event decided to split into two parties so that some could continue outside while others sat inside the arraignment hearings to follow the case against Susan Littlejohn and the Build An Ark Animal Rescue.
Protestors continued through the morning, even gaining a few who saw the protest and stopped to join for a bit as one of the three major organizers of the protest, Ernie Taylor, said he was very excited for the response he was seeing despite the protest being planned rather last-minute.
Numerous times, these protestors received honks, yells, and thumbs up from passing vehicles showing support. Overall, the event saw over 30 protestors between the inside and outside. Taylor said that many of those protesting had once volunteered for Build An Ark, but have now taken to marching against the animal rescue and what they are calling “cruelty.”
Taylor spoke about efforts in 2017 when he and others attempted to raise awareness on the issue. At the time, he received communications from an attorney including cease and desist letters.
Now, Taylor said in the early morning that he was committed and already thinking of another protest if the case went to trial. Later Friday afternoon, that thought of if changed to when as the official “not guilty” plea was spread among protestors and other interested parties. Taylor hopes to have more present for the May 11, 2022, court case date.
Protestors gathered along the square in Downtown Ellijay with homemade signs and matching shirts to protest against Build An Ark.
The protestors have not been told to stop this time, instead more and more are joining the cause. Cheryl Flanagan was once a volunteer at the Build An Ark animal rescue. Having taken a goat and two sheep, Flanagan said she was able to help the sheep recover, but not the goat. In the process of trying to apply for a sanctuary permit, Flanagan said she has land near her home that could be used to care for animals like those at Build An Ark, but is still in the process.
She went on to say that she had volunteered for years at the rescue but was not aware for much of the time as she would offer food and help at other locations before Gilmer’s Build An Ark. Flanagan noted that she joined the protests after seeing some of the things for herself and seeing photos of animals in the barn.
Taylor said it’s about accountability and being held responsible. With other rescues and citizens having already taken animals and others on stand-by waiting to take the rest. Taylor stated, “I would hope that Coosawattee would follow through now and make sure that she’s evicted. Obviously, from a humane perspective, that she can find a suitable home… and the animals go to proper care.”
Some spoke to the future of the location and continue work with a proper animal rescue at the location of Build An Ark. But talks have not reached that point as the case is still ongoing. Taylor noted during the protest that they have not reached out to anyone one the Coosawattee Board or the County Board of Commissioners and have not yet been invited to speak with any of them.
The county is involved, however, as Animal Shelter Director Daniel Laukka has helped with and taken several animals on the location. But its not just the county but also individual citizens like Flanagan and owners of other rescues that have also taken animals, rescues like Jennifer Criteser’s J&C Farm and Rescue in Blue Ridge, Georgia, who took several rabbits from Build An Ark.
Criteser spoke about the animals themselves, having heard about Build An Ark through the Rescue community. Criteser said she hopes for help for the animals and Littlejohn more than anything. Looking at more than rabbits, Criteser is looking to take a few birds and guinea pigs as well from Build An Ark. Criteser said, “I want to take whatever I can to give a happy home and rehabilitate and maybe adopt out so they have good forever homes.”
Arraigned on two counts of animal abuse and two counts of animal cruelty, the case is set to go before the Magistrate Judge on May 11, 2022.
Homeward Bound Pet of the Week: Scrappy
Community October 21, 2021
The smile is genuine; we promise! Scrappy is a 2 year old, 45 lb. mix of cute,
sweet and very short legs. Scrappy has been outside of the kennel on occasion
and has proved that he likes other dogs! This boy loves long leash walks and is
gentle on a leash. He is nearing the end of his heartworm treatments, so we have
not been able to see his energetic side. He is a gentle snuggle bunny and loves
car rides.
For more information about the Homeward Bound Pet Rescue pets, check out our
website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers
to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between
Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.
Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Powder!
Fast & Furriest March 21, 2021
If you are looking for someone to bring sunshine into your daily life, look no further! We want you to meet Powder, a 22 lb., 14 month old Pom/Chi. The smile you see here is the smile she greets everyone with! Powder is a happy little girl despite 6 spinal discs being herniated and twice her ideal weight. She is currently on a weight management program, exercises and physical therapy. She is already showing signs of improvement. Powder has a lot of puppy energy! She has no idea there’s anything wrong!
For more information about Homeward Bound Pet Rescue, check out our website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.
Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Domino
Fast & Furriest, Featured Stories January 17, 2021
Meet Domino, a 2-year-old, 54 lb. terrier mix who had been adopted about a year ago and returned due to the owners not being able to care for him any longer. Domino is a fun boy who enjoys playing catch and fetches in a fenced area, runs like the wind, and will respond to commands. He does expect hugs and treats afterward! Domino has lived with another dog in his previous life.
For more information about Homeward Bound Pet Rescue, check out our website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers to help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.
Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week! Brownie
Fast & Furriest October 11, 2020
Meet Brownie, a 25 lb., 2 year old who happens to be the owner of a gorgeous auburn colored coat that would make Lady Clairol envious!
Brownie was surrendered due to her mother not being able to care for her any longer. Brownie loves to walk and is a good hill climber. She would probably be a good hiking partner. She is good with other dogs that she has met; loves people; house trained and is definitely ready for her forever home.
Apply online: www.hbpr.org
Homeward Bound Pet Rescue: Otto and Ottis
Community September 11, 2020
Meet Otto and Ottis, a bonded pair of Shihtzus, who were found running together
as strays; so dirty and matted that one required emergency surgery to help him
regain bodily functions! Both are healthy and happy to be getting the attention
from the volunteers. The boys are about 8 years old and 12 lbs. each.
Otto and Ottis are located at Homeward Bound Pet Rescue in Blue Ridge, GA. We
will only consider applications for those who want both. Adoption fee: $300.
Apply online: www.hbpr.org
Keep These 2 Things Away from Your Pets
Lifestyle April 8, 2020
1) Chocolate
“Chocolate contains a naturally occurring stimulant called theobromine, which is similar to caffeine. If enough theobromine is ingested it can be toxic to dogs and cats,” said Dr. Sarah Nold, staff veterinarian at Trupanion.
Trupanion traditionally sees a high number of chocolate toxicity claims around Easter.
Last year, in the month of April, Trupanion paid $31,757 in claims related to chocolate, flowers, jewelry, and other foreign body ingestions. This includes the fun-loving Labrador retriever who couldn’t resist the big bowl of chocolate and jelly beans he stumbled upon. After an emergency room visit and a $3,000 bill (covered by their Trupanion policy) the dog left the veterinary hospital a happy camper and was safe at home in time for Easter Sunday.
2) Lilies
Easter lilies are bright, beautiful, and a staple floral decoration in the springtime. However, lilies are incredibly dangerous to our feline friends. In fact, lily toxicity is one of Trupanion’s most common and one of the most expensive toxicity claims, with an average claim cost of $830.
The toxins impact the kidneys and often cause symptoms like vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and appetite loss. Cats can develop tremors or go into seizures, and ingesting even a small piece of a lily plant can lead to kidney failure and death. Every part of the lily plant is toxic and cats can get sick even by licking pollen off their fur or drinking lily vase water.
There are plenty of other options for those who want to bring some fresh flowers and plants into their cat-friendly home this spring. Look for some cat-safe flowers like roses, snapdragons, gerbera daisies, sunflowers, or zinnias. Many herbs—like catnip—and ferns are also safe for pets and can help freshen the house and keep things green.
Homeward Bound Pet Rescue Pet of the Week – Kanga
Community March 20, 2020
Homeward Bound Pet Rescue, Inc’s mission is to find safe, loving homes for unwanted pets in
the North Georgia area. Homeward Bound has re-homed over 7000 pets since 2000. We are a
100% non-profit, no-kill organization that is completely run by volunteers and depend on
donations, grants, Paws and Claws Thrift Store and fundraising events during the year.
Homeward Bound Pet Rescue, Inc.
P.O. Box 792
Ellijay, GA 30540
706-698-HOME (4663)
Apply on line: www.hbpr.org
LIKE us on FaceBook
If you’re looking for a loving little fun dog as your forever dog; look no further! We have Kanga!
Just so happens, he is looking for a forever home! This little 13# guy came to HB as an
underweight 8# dog with no vaccinations and a bad reputation from his previous owner. What
we have found is a little dog who is grateful for attention and a warm place to sleep; not an
aggressive bone in his body and is happiest when prancing on a leash, sitting on a lap and giving
kisses.
We’d also love to tell you about volunteering, fostering and adoption opportunities.
Homeward Bound pets are up to date on vaccinations, treated month for fleas, ticks and heart
worms, spayed or neutered and are ready for adoption unless specified otherwise.
We are available for a “meet and greet” by appointment. The address is: 215 Wishon Drive,
Blue Ridge, GA (off Maxwell Road). We do recommend bringing everyone who will be involved
with the new pet; especially your dog(s).
Thank you for your support! We couldn’t survive without the help from our friends!
UPDATED: Closings and Cancellations due to COVID-19/Coronavirus
News March 14, 2020
Stay up to date with closings in Gilmer County and keep visiting this article daily to find out the latest closings and cancellations as they are announced.
UPDATED March 18, 2020 – Mountain Cinemas Close
In an email from Mountain Cinemas parent company, Georgia Theatre Company, the announcement was made for closings of theatres owned by the company. This includes Ellijay’s own Mountain Cinemas.
The company said, “Georgia Theatre Company puts the health and safety of our employees and customers above everything we do. It is with great regret that we have decided to close all of our theatres temporarily due to the suggestion of the President, the WHO and the CDC. We will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation very closely and will post the latest company news on our website. We will open to the public as soon as we can and will provide a safe and clean environment for you to enjoy all of your favorite movies in a communal setting.”
Additionally, they addressed concerns for those who may have already puchased advanced tickets. For those who have purchased tickets:
Purchases made on our website can be refunded at GTCmovies.com/refunds
For purchases made in person or on the GTC app, please contact your local theatre or send us an email at [email protected] prior to the showtime on your ticket.
Calling the movie theater in Ellijay provides a similar response as they say they are temporarily closed and hope to be open again soon.
UPDATED March 18, 2020 – Gilmer Chamber closes for sanitization
Paige Green, President & CEO will also be available at 706-889-2889 for emergency purposes. Otherwise, please call the office between 10a and 3p Monday through Friday.Paige Green, President & CEO- [email protected]Ellen Grant, Membership Manager- [email protected]Lisa Salman, Tourism Manager- [email protected]Caitlin Neal, Communications Manager- [email protected]Thanna Chadwick, Administrative Assistant- [email protected]
UPDATED March 18, 2020 – Gilmer ARTS adjusts cancellations
UPDATED March 17, 2020 – East Ellijay closes public access
Facing the concerns of the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), East Ellijay has released information today about closings in the offices in the coming weeks.
East Ellijay has closed public access and is putting signage up to inform citizens. They are outlining a new process for contacting City Staff.
Additionally, Municipal Court, originally to be held on March 25, has also been canceled.
UPDATED March 17, 2020 – BOC Closes and BOE Extends Closing
The Gilmer County Board of Commissioners are joining the list of closings in Gilmer County this week as they officially announced today.
An email was sent out saying, “Due to the Coronavirus and for the safety of our employees the Board of Commissioners Office will be closed to public access until April 6, 2020. For assistance please call 706-635-4361. Thank you.”
Despite the closure, the BOC will continue on with tonight’s, March 17, 2020, Public Hearing and Regular Meeting.
Additionally, Gilmer Schools, which have already been closed, is extending the closings
Many of you have seen Georgia Governor Kemp’s Executive Order mandating school closure March 18 – March 31, 2020. The Gilmer County School System will plan to remain closed until April 3, 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Online learning opportunities for grades 6-12 and take home packets of student work for grades K-5 will continue at home during this time. Teachers will remain available by email and online learning regularly throughout the school day from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday-Friday. Teachers will hold designated office hours from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Seamless meals will continue to be provided during this time and will be coordinated through School Nutrition and Transportation.
The Administrative and Technology Offices (ATO) will be closed with staff working from home from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Friday and visiting the office daily only for short periods on a limited basis.
Schools will remain closed to all instructional staff. School level administrators will be working from home from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Friday to answer emails and make phone calls when needed. School level administrators will be visiting the schools only when necessary for short periods of time.
The Gilmer County School District will remain closed for our regularly scheduled Spring Break from April 4 – April 12,2020 with students returning on Monday April 13th.
This situation is constantly evolving as evident in how quickly things have changed in the last 7 days. We will continue to remain in contact with the Governor’s Office, Georgia Department of Education, and the Georgia Department of Health. As soon as we receive any relevant information, we will share it with you.
UPDATED March 17, 2020 – MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF GILMER ARTS
UPDATED March 16, 2020 – Wine Highway Week Cancelled
North Georgia Winegrowers are disappointed to announce that the 2020 Wine Highway Week has been postponed due to recent guidelines announced by the CDC yesterday, “… large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals. Therefore, CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.”
Our members are working together to reschedule this event to a later date.
While this sanctioned event is postponed, the following wineries will be open for the dates and times the event was scheduled:
March 20 – April 5, 2020
Monday – Fridays 1-5pm
Saturdays 11am -5pm
Sundays 12:30-5pm
12 Spies Vineyards and Farms
Big Door Vineyards
Cartecay Vineyards
Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery
CeNita Winery and Tasting Room
Chateau Meichtry
Crane Creek Vineyards
Creekstone Winery
Currahee Vineyards
Twisted Wine Garden at Dahlonega Resort and Vineyard
Engelheim Vineyards
Etowah Meadery
Habersham Winery
Hightower Creek Vineyards
Kaya Vineyard & Winery
Odom Springs Vineyards
Paradise Hills, Cabins-Spa-Winery
Serenity Cellars
Sharp Mountain Vineyards
Stonewall Creek Vineyards
Sweet Acre Farms Winery
The Cottage Vineyard & Winery Inc.
Yonah Mountain Vineyards
We encourage you to support and visit these wineries.
UPDATED March 16, 2020 – Carter’s Lake and Gilmer Jail close
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – A new round of closings came today with several announcements in response to the Coronavirus and the increase in Georgia Cases over the weekend.
Along with closures over the weekend of county services and schools, new closings are continuing this week for the Gilmer Detention Center and Carters Lake.
The Gilmer Sheriff’s Office posted to social media saying:
In order to keep all inmates, our staff, as well as all visitors’ health in mind and in compliance with ‘social distancing’ due to corona virus concerns, the detention center is suspending all inmate visitations TEMPORARILY until further notice.
If you have any questions or concerns, you may call Captain Daves, Lt. Couch, or Lt. Smith at 706-635-4625.
Additionally, the new closings extend to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Carters Lake who posted yesterday saying:
With an abundance of caution and considering the concerns related to COVID-19 the Carters Lake Visitor Center will be closed March 16th-30th in a preemptive attempt to slow the spread of the virus. We will continue to provide updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Later, FYN confirmed that this closure is only the visitor center. The recreation areas are open, including camping. As of now, they will also stay open. But to avoid closed space and confining crowds, the visitor center has closed.
The Gilmer Chamber has closed its downtown welcome center in Ellijay to undergo a deep cleaning and to avoid exposure of the worker at the location who could be at risk. However, the main branch and welcome center will remain open.
Also, the City of Ellijay has canceled its March meeting for Monday, March 16, 2020.
Stay tuned to FYN as we continue to update you and post new closings from the community as they are announced.
UPDATED – March 14, 2020
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – More closings and announcements are continuing this weekend as another two county services close in response to concerns and State Government urgings to shut down to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
A statement from the Gilmer Animal Shelter announces closing next week.
The Gilmer County Animal Shelter announced around noon today that they would be closing “until further notice.”
The shelter is closing to both public access and volunteer workers. However, there will still be staff members taking care of the animals.
They stated, “We are only allowing staff to come in and care for our animals at this time. Animal Control will be running as normal. Calls will be returned as often as possible. Please be patient as we work through this.”
The shelter apologized for the inconvienice, but stated they are trying to both care for the animals at the shelter while also making sure the community is safe.
The statement also added, “Please know that we would never allow the animals to go without care.”
As county services close, it is not just in the animal shelter as the Gilmer’s Sequoyah Regional Library is also announcing a closure.
The general social media page for the the Sequoyah Regional Library System stated:
Out of an abundance of caution, all branches of the Sequoyah Regional Library System will close on Monday, March 16 until further notice. e-Library services will continue as normal. Advance voting will continue as scheduled at Ball Ground Public Library, Hickory Flat Public Library, and Rose Creek Public Library. Materials should be kept at home. Fines will not accrue while the library is closed. Please check this page for updates and additional information.
The post was also shared and copied onto the Gilmer Library page as well.
The Gilmer Library is not only closing, but cancelling events and programs next week for the Coronavirus.
This closure is not just a building closing however as the announcement is spreading to several events, services, and public access opportunities along with it. The Library has already announced the cancellation of the events “Journey into the Amazing Body!” and “Letters from a Confederate Soldier.”
However, a new post today came saying, “In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sequoyah Regional Library System is suspending all programming, outreach, conference room use, and community room use beginning Monday, March 16 through the end of March. We will not be accepting community room applications at this time. We will continue to provide updates as they become available. We apologize for any inconvenience.”
ORIGINAL POST – March 12, 2020 – Closings and Cancellations due to COVID-19/Coronavirus
GILMER, Ga. – According to a release from Gilmer County Schools, the system will shut down with all school closings next week in the fallout from information and concerns over the Coronavirus in the county.
According to a public release from Gilmer County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs, the closure will last from Monday, March 16, 2020, through Friday, March 20, 2020.
The release states, “Our school district is committed to keeping our community informed about issues relating to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). There are no cases of COVID-19 at any Gilmer County school and currently there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 in Gilmer County. Our schools are not closing Friday, March 13, 2020, as we need to allow time for students and staff to retrieve needed materials and technology to be prepared for this closure. We will use Digital Learning Days during this closure for 6th-12th grade and paper learning packets for Kindergarten-5th grade to continue teaching and learning.”
Students will be retrieving these materials tomorrow, March 13, in order to follow these instructions next week. The release acknowledges that some hardships will come from this closure but said the plans are being finalized at this time.
While the current announcement is just for the week listed, Downs confirmed that future closings could be possible based on the need saying, “The district will continually review conditions and publish updates. Should additional closures be necessary we will notify you as soon as possible.”
The closings will not just be for students, however. All Gilmer schools and offices will be closed during the week along with all activities including athletics and extracurriculars including GHSA (Georgia High Schools Association) events being cancelled, and additional closures could continue for these as well.
One point of note for testing, however, Downs said that, currently, SAT testing will still occur this Saturday, March 14, 2020.
With school closed, plans are being made to deep clean the schools and to provide meals in a similar manner to the Seamless Summer Program.
See the full release below:
Homeward Bound Pet Rescue Pet of the Week – Oliver
Community January 31, 2020
Homeward Bound Pet Rescue, Inc’s mission is to find safe, loving homes for unwanted pets in
the North Georgia area. Homeward Bound has re-homed over 7000 pets since 2000. We are a
100% non-profit, no kill organization that is completely run by volunteers and depend on
donations, grants, Paws and Claws Thrift Store and fund raising events during the year.
Homeward Bound Pet Rescue, Inc.
P.O. Box 792
Ellijay, GA 30540
706-698-HOME (4663)
Apply on line: www.hbpr.org
LIKE us on FaceBook
Meet Oliver, a 19#, 1 ½ year old beagle, an owner surrender due to nobody having time to
spend with him. This little cuddler gets along well with others, loves to walk on a leash,
definitely a “nose to the ground” kind of boy. A fenced yard would be great; kids would be a
plus!
Contact HB and we will set up a meeting! Apply online: www.hbpr.org
We’d also love to tell you about volunteering, fostering and adoption opportunities.
Homeward Bound pets are up to date on vaccinations, treated month for fleas, ticks and heart
worms, spayed or neutered and are ready for adoption unless specified otherwise.
We are available for a “meet and greet” by appointment. The address is: 215 Wishon Drive,
Blue Ridge, GA (off Maxwell Road). We do recommend bringing everyone who will be involved
with the new pet; especially your dog(s).
Thank you for your support! We couldn’t survive without the help from our friends!
Pet of the Week! Featuring Sienna
FYNTV, Lifestyle September 20, 2019
Sienna is the star of the show this week! Come by the Humane Society of Blue Ridge to meet her and other wonderful cats and dogs that you can adopt!
https://youtu.be/xzjFG5dp-R0
North Georgia Living Presented by Cameron Hall: Pets!
Lifestyle April 22, 2019The North GA Senior Living segment joined up with the Pet of the Week and was a great time! Dogs can be great companions for the elderly as they transition into senior living, and if they already have one Cameron Hall will allow them to move in too!
FOGAS donates $6,200 in kennels to Animal Shelter
Community, News June 28, 2019
(photos by the Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter)
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Traveling and transporting pets just got a bit easier for the Gilmer County Animal Shelter as kennels have been supplied through donations.
According the Friends Of Gilmer Animal Shelter (FOGAS), they presented Gilmer County Commission Chairman Charlie Paris and Director of the Gilmer County Animal Shelter Daniel Laukka with transport kennels valued at $6,200 earlier this week, on June 25, 2019.
An official statement from FOGAS on the social media page stated, “These kennels were designed to reduce the stress of the animals in transport while allowing maximum use of space in the GCAS transport van.”
But the donation means more the shelter and the county than just extra equipment. Chairman Paris told FYN, “This will help both the animals and shelter employees and volunteers. Shelter personnel will no longer have to place crates that are currently in use, into the van – requiring animals to be moved around so that those crates can be made available. The new creates can remain in the van permanently.”
Paris went on to say that the crates are better than the current wire cages in multiple ways. They are more sturdy and “solidly made” to meet the needs of long travels. The animal shelter frequently makes trips out of state to other locations in efforts to find homes for the animals. The crates also offer more privacy for the animals as Paris said they provide “a private environment that is much less stressful for them.”
Speaking on the donation, FOGAS stated, “All of us at FOGAS are proud to assist the citizens of Gilmer County with the humane reduction of pet overpopulation through subsidized spay & neuter programs and our Gilmer County shelter with transporting homeless pets to loving homes.”
Paris added to the emotion saying, “We are very appreciative of the organizations and individuals that donate to the shelter so that the animals housed there can have a better life. These donations are so important – and so appreciated – because they allow homeless animals to have a better quality of life than just ‘life in a wire crate.’ These donations from groups and individuals make a tremendous difference, and we just can’t thank them enough.”
Fashion Show raises funds for FOGAS
Community, News January 5, 2019
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Lovers of animals often do whatever they can to support shelters and organizations that help their favorite four-legged-friends.
The owners of Whimz Boutique in Ellijay Georgia, Steve and Marie Cortes did just that when they presented Friends Of Gilmer Animal Shelter (FOGAS) President Sharon Sahr and Treasurer Karen Johnson with a $564 check from their November 2018 charity fashion show.
Friends Of Gilmer Animal Shelter is an all-volunteer, 501 (C3), charity that strives to make Gilmer County Georgia a better home for both people and pets by sponsoring subsidized spay/neuter certificates for the public, vetting Gilmer County Animal Shelter homeless pets, and other community projects.
Their event is part of the community financial support that makes up approximately 75 % of Friends Of Gilmer Animal Shelter’s annual revenue.
This and all other donations to FOGAS are used to provide subsidized $25 spay/neuter certificates to Gilmer County residents, pay veterinarian costs for selected Gilmer County Animal Shelter pets that are being transported to waiting adopters or rescues, and to support other Gilmer County pet-related projects.
The Fashion Charity event saw over 100 people attending to view pieces designed and donated by Whimz Boutique and Julian’s Boutique. With the success of the fashion show, FOGAS has stated they are intending to use the proceeds for their 2019 budget. Specifically, they said, “In 2019 FOGAS will be focusing on new ways to assist the Gilmer County Animal Shelter with reducing pet overpopulation. We will also be looking into offering Gilmer County children information on caring for their pets.”
With this set as the first annual show, support is set to continue for the Animal Shelter through its support organization, FOGAS. But, ultimately, its citizens putting on events like this and donating that helps the efforts of the local animal shelter and the county’s efforts to house and adopt pets in need of “forever homes.”
Mountain Emergency Animal Center Welcomes Dr. James
Business, Featured June 26, 2018
Dr. Timothy James has been involved in various aspects of the medical field throughout his life. In college, he studied tick-borne diseases and illness of muscle proteins and was considering a career
researching infectious diseases. During his undergraduate years, he shadowed several veterinarians and decided that working with small animals would be his new career path.
Dr. James graduated from the University of Georgia, earning his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2003. From that point on, he was immersed in surgery and emergency medicine. He started his career at a large specialty practice in Indianapolis where he also completed a residency through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.
During that time, he also became a certified canine rehabilitation therapist. After several
years in Indianapolis, Dr. James moved to Tennessee, working at the Regional Institute for Veterinary
Emergency and Referrals. It is at that facility where completed a surgical residency program over
several years.
Dr. James was most recently a staff surgeon at North Georgia Veterinary Specialists. He
has special interests in surgery of the spine and orthopedics; however, Dr. James also excels in soft
tissue surgery.
Mountain Emergency Animal Center would like to welcome Dr. James to our team!
