POWELL, Tenn. — For months, a dog rescue located in Powell has been without a functioning HVAC unit. Two East Tennessee companies gave the East Tennessee Bloodhound Rescue a new unit to help make sure they can properly care for their dogs.
"Our rescue mission focuses more towards seniors living the last days of their lives, whether they get adopted or not. They're always going to feel wanted and have a place to go. So, if we can't provide a comfortable environment for them, there's no reason for us to rescue. So, our rescue mission would be, you know, nothing," said Taylor Spellman, who works with the rescue.
Winsupply of East Tennessee and Gonzales Heating and Cooling donated the HVAC unit Friday morning, Spellman said. She also said they would install the unit.
"There are still a few additional, you know, supply costs and things like that we're going to incur. But if it wasn't for them, this rescue would be closing," she said.
Spellman said the rescue was looking at an $8,000 bill to replace the HVAC unit after it stopped working a few months ago. To help the dogs through warmer temperatures, they used window air conditioners. She said the rescue is mostly run by her parents out of their home, funded mostly by their own paychecks from other jobs.
"My parents are actually the sole funders of our organization other than community donations," she said. "It's kind of hard on the pocketbook when something this big comes and hits you all of a sudden."
Spellman said the rescue is currently caring for around 11 bloodhounds, as well as some other breeds of senior pets.
Anyone who wants to donate to the rescue or find a bloodhound to adopt can find more information on the East Tennessee Bloodhound Rescue website.
