Animal rescue group getting new donated shelter space

By Ashley Crutcher

North Mississippi Animal Rescue (NMAR) is opening Panola County’s first dog sanctuary on property graciously donated by Chuck and Gail Smith of Sardis.

The Smiths have lived in the Sardis community almost six years and  after a stray dog showed up at their residence, the Smiths were put in contact with NMAR founder Yvonne Taylor.

With four dogs of their own, the Smiths reached out to Taylor to see if she could take the dog. Later that day, Gail offered Taylor a facility on their property to house the rescued dogs.

“I saw what she was trying to do out of her backyard and I was touched and moved. I talked to my husband about it and I just said I have to do this,” said Gail. “It was just a feeling I had. We didn’t realize the dire need until we met Yvonne. I think that really re-enforced what we’re doing.”

The Smiths are even offering to cover utilities for the facility, which is currently housing two dogs found in the search for Bane, the dog lost by the Texas couple.

The property was formerly used as pens for goats the Smith’s raised on their property. It has been vacant for about a year, and the couple is happy to see the structure being used by the rescue group.

Taylor has big plans for the new facility which includes a triage station for rescues, bathing station, and even a fenced-in area outside for play which the animals can come and go as they please with the use of doggie doors.

The building is separated into three different fenced areas to keep puppies, large dogs and small dogs separated.

“A drainage system will need to be installed, concrete will need to be poured and fencing around the outdoor areas will need to be constructed,” said Taylor. Construction is currently underway and will require excess funds to complete.

The organization’s main objectives are to rescue dogs that people have abandoned in the county and vet them, heal them and socialize them before preparing them for adoption.

NMAR utilizes other animal rescues in the Northeast United States to assist in the adoption process.

One pup was just sent to Rhode Island to find his forever home. According to Taylor, some pay $400 to $500 to adopt these dogs up north.

The organization will be able to administer medicine to animals in need. For example, abandoned puppies will be able to receive their shots and worming medication within the triage area of the sanctuary.

“First, we’ll get them their shots and then have them spayed or neutered,” Taylor said.

NMAR, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was founded in 2014 as an all-breed rescue group. NMAR has rescued and transported more than 600 dogs out of Mississippi to homes in the Northeast where families await new pets.

Until now, Taylor has housed dozens of puppies and dogs in her own Sardis yard, but has outgrown the space.

Interested people can help support the new animal sanctuary by going to the website at www.northmsanimalrescue.org  and making a tax deductible donation either by PAYPAL or by shopping at NMAR’s online store.

Items sold in the online store include caps, dog pillows, T-shirts, backpacks, coozies and more.

A GoFundMe page has also been set up to receive donations.

“This is something Panola County has needed for a long time and we’re so grateful for the generosity of Chuck and Gail Smith,” Taylor said.