March 27, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2014
For more information,
Contact: Natalie Lester
Moxley Carmichael
(865) 544-0088
Young-Williams Animal Center reunion story inspires gifts
When Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley heard the story of Maisy the beagle’s reunion with her family thanks to a microchip, the company was inspired to make a personal and community impact with gifts to the Helland family and Young-Williams Animal Center.
John Miller of Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley, second from left, announced Thursday the sponsorship of Maisy Microchip Day at Young-Williams Animal Village on Saturday, April 12, noon-3 p.m. Also shown are Amy Johnston of Young-Williams Animal Center, left, and April, Maisy the beagle and Chad Helland. Maisy was reunited with the Hellands because of a microchip.
Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley will sponsor Maisy Microchip Day on Saturday, April 12, from noon-3 p.m. at the Young-Williams Animal Village at 6400 Kingston Pike on Bearden Hill. The first 50 microchips will be free, and then pets can receive microchips for $10 until 3 p.m.
“Microchipping is the sole reason Maisy was reunited with her family,” said Jeff Ashin, CEO of Young-Williams Animal Center. “We are thankful that Invisible Fence recognizes the importance of microchips, and we encourage all Knoxville-area pet owners to take advantage of Maisy Microchip Day. If your dog or cat is ever lost, a microchip can help bring your furry family member home to you.”
The April 12 Maisy Microchip Day also kicks off National Pet ID Awareness Week, which promotes the use of microchips and identification tags for all pets. Young-Williams Animal Center encourages all community pet owners to take advantage of the event and microchip their dogs and cats in case they are ever lost.
Lost and stray animals that are picked up by the Animal Control, as well as those found by concerned citizens, are brought to Young-Williams Animal Center as the official animal shelter for Knox County and the City of Knoxville. The staff scans each animal for a microchip, and it’s important that pet owners keep their contact information for the microchips up-to-date so they can be reached quickly.
Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley also gave the Helland family a containment fence, which will help keep their dogs, Maisy and Cooper, close to home. The staff plans to install the fence and train the Helland family pets as soon as schedules allow.
“We are continually grateful to Young-Williams Animal Center for reuniting us with Maisy,” Chad Helland said. “We also thank Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley for helping us keep our dogs safe in our yard and for sponsoring Maisy Microchip Day to help families find lost pets.”
About Young-Williams Animal Center
Young-Williams Animal Center reminds the community to please spay and neuter your pets.
The Young-Williams Animal Center is the official animal shelter for Knox County and the City of Knoxville. The center is a nonprofit organization, community-supported through public and private donations, that turns no animal away and is dedicated to the sheltering and placement of animals, general animal welfare, and public education of companion animal issues.
Young-Williams Animal Center is located off Sutherland Avenue at the entrance to John Tarleton Park at 3201 Division St. Young-Williams Animal Village is located at 6400 Kingston Pike adjacent to Deane Hill Drive. Both locations are open seven days a week from noon-6 p.m.
For more information about Young-Williams Animal Center, including detailed driving directions, call 865-215-6599 or visit www.young-williams.org.
