CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Being a rescue volunteer at an animal shelter comes with its own set of challenges – challenges that Kathline Forrester and Robert York have readily taken on for over a year.

Forrester, 55, and York, 63, have been volunteering for the Montgomery County Animal Care and Control shelter for the last 15 months as they enjoy their retirement together after 25 years of marriage. “When we do something, we go all in,” York said.

Getting involved at MCAC

In 2022, Forrester and York moved to Clarksville to be closer to their family after Forrester retired from the Army and York retired from the auction house he owned. Forrester had a knee replacement shortly after moving here and had to learn to walk again, and a few months later, they were faced with a difficult decision.

The couple had adopted six rescue dogs, and in 2023, their oldest dog was discovered to have a brain tumor. Forrester said it was a heartbreaking decision to have to make as their senior dog’s condition worsened over time, but they eventually decided to have their dog euthanized.

In the wake of this loss, the couple felt called to share this love and care for as many pets as they could, specifically animals living in shelters. “We walked in, hand-in-hand, and asked what we could do” for the shelter pets, Forrester said. “We just wanted to love on them.”

A day of work as a volunteer

Over the last year, Forrester has operated a Facebook group called Montgomery County TN Adoptable Shelter Dogs and Cats. As part of her volunteer work, Forrester updates the page daily with pictures, videos and posts of pets in Montgomery County that need homes.

Once Forrester and York go into the MCACC Shelter, the physical side of volunteer work begins with a multitude of chores. Kennels must be cleaned and scrubbed daily – by staff or volunteers – and dogs must be taken for walks to stretch their legs and get some fresh air.

While kennels are being cleaned, the couple will take turns walking some of the dogs. Due to her knee replacement, Forrester walks the smaller to medium-size dogs, while York walks the bigger ones. “We go in and we know what we need to do to get the animals taken care of,” Forrester said.

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Outside of the physical labor, there is an extra measure that York and Forrester take on with their rescue work: covering vet bills and costs.

They help operate a 501c(3) called Montgomery County Friends of the Shelter, which allows them to put some extra money into the care and veterinarian bills of many of the animals. They’ve helped cover the costs of spays, neuters, emergency surgeries, and even the cremation cost of a dog that had been hit by a car. Sometimes, the money comes straight from their pocket.

How to get involved

York said the MCACC shelter does a good job, especially with making the most of what they have to work with. “The kennel staff is very caring,” Forrester said. “They all really care about the animals.”

For those interested in helping out, contact MCACC or visit their website to learn more about how you can volunteer.

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