Romain Subaru presents: What Inspires You?

ROMAIN SUBARU PRESENTS:

Subaru is much more than just a car company. In addition to building great, longlasting vehicles designed to keep you and your family safe, they are focused on making the world a better place through the SUBARU LOVE PROMISE. It's a simple but impactful vision to show love and respect to all people at every interaction with Subaru. With the help of retailers like Romain, the company is setting an example for others to follow, partnering to address pressing issues including the environment, the health and wellness of our communities, world hunger, the pursuit of knowledge and the safety and health of all animals.

Romain Subaru is pleased to present the fifth in a series of local profiles focused on community leaders who are a positive force and a prime example of what can be achieved when everyone works together for the common good.

SUBARU LOVES PETS

featuring Tangila Smith

Executive Director, It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue

10 years ago, Tangila Smith decided it was time to make a difference in the lives of local animals, stepping up to volunteer as a foster for adoptable dogs at It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue on Evansville's east side. And right out of the gate she was smitten by Loula, a loving pit bull that Smith helped find a forever home. The experience inspired her to get more involved with the organization, eventually becoming a full-time employee and "putting her heart and soul into saving dogs" - particularly pit bulls like Loula who are often viewed unfairly as being naturally aggressive. Smith now serves as Executive Director for ITV, working to further its mission of helping animals regardless of their breed, location or circumstances.

What inspires you to be a part of It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue?

I get to come to work every day and improve the lives of the animals in our care and look forward to finding them homes.

How can the community help to further the mission of ITV?

The public can help us by volunteering at fundraiser events or donating their time to come in and help us take care of the animals that are in our facility. Also, people can help by fostering. We pay for all the vet needs and any care that the animal needs. And once it's ready for adoption you do have that first option to adopt. Businesses can support us by sponsoring events that we have - and we do have kennels that we look for sponsorship for.

Can you share an example of an animal that has benefited from the services of ITV?

One dog in particular was hit by a car. Multiple specialists told us to go ahead and euthanize him because he'd never be able to walk. But we didn't give up - we took him to other vets and got him the care that he needed and today he's adopted and running around on three legs.

What excites you about the future of ITV?

Our long-term goal is to have a larger facility to hold more animals. Currently we have two facilities - we were able to open up a second facility in Spencer County - so we have about 250-300 animals in our care right now. Most of them are in foster homes - we have cats, dogs, and right now we have four rabbits. And we have taken in pigs that needed help, even ducks.

For more info, visit itvrescue.org or call 812-909-1306. ITV is located at 1417 N. Stockwell Rd. in Evansville.