"Animal rescue is such unbelievably difficult work, but the rewards are many, and the rewards are what make us continue.  The day to day tasks are nothing compared to some of the seemingly insurmountable heartaches we experience.  The loss of sweet old-man Redford followed so quickly by Fergie’s passing broke my heart in a way I thought it would never heal.  But the hugs from Paige, kisses from Dee Dee, and the progress we see so quickly with dogs like Mallard, Zack, and Sawyer definitely makes it worthwhile.  While we sometimes hang our heads in defeat over a loss, and the gaping holes left in our hearts seem so hard to fill, along comes a dog so truly in need and with a broken spirit so unbelievably able to heal our own, that we literally pick each other up, and move forward together.  Rescue work provides so many life lessons – about compassion, ethics, perseverance, the power in forgiving - and so many examples of God’s grace.  I wouldn’t miss the lessons for anything in this world."

Karen Mallard, Vice President - Karen became involved with Almost Home in March of 2006. A pet lover from childhood, Karen grew up with 4 dogs and 2 cats -- all of which were rescues. In December of 2005, Karen got a Weimaraner puppy, which led to a new found love. Karen had read when doing research about the breed, that something happens to you when you get a Weimaraner, a new found obsession, if you will. She found herself scouring the internet for more information about the breed, and realized that there are an alarming number of Weimaraners (along with hundreds of other breeds) in rescue programs across the country. Upon visiting Almost Home's Pet Finder page, Karen realized this was the organization she needed to volunteer with. What started as helping out at the occasional adoption day, has led to a passion for rescue work and helping educate the public about proper pet ownership and care.

Karen works as a Human Resources Representative for Schneider Electric, and is a recent graduate of MTSU. She resides in Murfreesboro with her husband, Adam, and dog, Sadie.

"I feel so privileged to be able to come to know and love the pets who come into Almost Home's care. They come to us neglected, scared, and many times hungry, for both food and love. These poor pets have sometimes been through more in their short lives than any of us could imagine in a lifetime. One thing never wavers in each pet, their spirit and ability to give love in return. As heartbreaking as their stories sometimes are, the rewards are great once their true personalities start shining through."

Lacey Berns, Secretary and Treasurer - Lacey began her involvement with Almost Home in the summer of 2006. She decided her two Great Danes were not enough to keep her busy so she began her search for an organization in need of "big dog" foster homes. From the moment she met her first foster dog Bailey (blue Dane/Weim mix) and eventual adopted family member Harley (deaf harlequin Dane); she knew she wanted to help Almost Home in any capacity she was capable. Her role as a foster mom shortly expanded into various other duties and she is now a deeply dedicated member of Almost Home. Lacey is a self employed Business Consultant, specializing in Human Resources and Training.

Lacey played basketball and soccer in college so she always enjoys catching a good game on TV or at one of the local colleges.  She also enjoys being involved with anything "horse" or "dog" related in her spare time.

"I feel so much pride when I look into all those innocent eyes as they come to find their forever homes.  Eyes that looked back at us longing for love and attention when they came to Almost Home.  Eyes that we have showered with our own love.  Finally, eyes that are filled with love for their new family."

Vickie Jacobson, Member, Board of Directors - Vickie is married and has 2 children, Shay 16 and Morgan 18 .  She became a part of Almost Home when she was looking on the internet for a volunteer position for herself and her daughter, Shay, to do.  Vickie grew up with animals and knew she wanted to work with them some how. She came across Almost Home and emailed to volunteer.  Vickie and her daughter, Shay, had a good time and have been a part of the program ever since. 

Carry Sexton, Member, Board of Directors - Carry first learned about Almost Home in June 2007 following the loss of a beloved family dog.  After meeting the team and many wonderful dogs, she adopted Karma (formerly Lilo) not long after volunteering at her first adoption event.  She was later invited to join the board.

Carry is a lifelong animal fanatic and has searched out ways to be involved with both people and animals her entire life, from pets at home to almost living in the barns while earning her undergraduate degree in Animal Science.  Daughter Rory, 5, seems likely to follow suit, keeping up with the names and stories of the animals that have been rescued and setting up stuffed animal “adoption events” in her bathroom.  Husband David agrees that the dogs are important members of the family and even volunteered to be Santa for doggies at an Almost Home fundraiser.  The family is currently fostering another wonderful Weim after the additional loss of their other dog in December.

“I’m here for both altruistic and selfish reasons.  Every dog I have had has been from a shelter or rescue or has been considered in some way to be a throwaway.  Oh, what a loss each would have been.  I become obsessed when looking for a dog to make part of my own family; I am constantly on the Web, looking through the newspaper ads, talking to people, haunting the shelter.  As a result, I feel keenly for people in the same situation. 

Almost Home provides a vitally needed way to match up these animals with these people.  It is the best kind of lost and found.  This work literally saves lives.  I will help any way I can- from talking to folks to picking up poop to working on grants, or whatever that day brings. 

The selfish part?  Playing with the critters, what else?”

CurrentVolunteers

Adam M.
Ann, Robert, and Ian H.
Ellen F.
Valene P.
Susan Y. and Richard H.
Laura H.
Melissa and Rick W.
Morgan J.
Sara A.
Shea J.
Tom and Christa F.
Meg J.
Chris J.
Julissa F.
Rick, Ricky, Lynn H.
Elaine J.
Kathy M.
Dustan and Angie S.
Mindy L.
Kim G.
Jeremy G.
Tiffany G.
Kelly H.
Megan F.
Kenny F.