2017 March/April Franklin Living by Franklin County

March/April M arch/April 2 2017 017 Vol. Vol. 7 IIssue ssue N No. o. 2

Teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pet Chihuahua sanctuary Tender loving care

Contact Russellville City Hall at 256-332-6060

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Animal lover

Madison Smith embraces menagerie of pets

Sanctuary Chihuahuas find haven with Gillilands

10 Tender loving care

B Blevins welcomes unwanted pets u of all kinds o

Teacher’s pet Educators cherish their furry family members

6 18 20 21 25 26 28 30 4

Pets of Franklin County Cooking with Sam What’s Hot Classifieds Pet adoption Pets of Franklin County Looking Back Parting Shot

FROM THE MANAGER

y husband and I don’t have any children, so our sweet dog Pugsley is basically like our child. The only problem with having pets that are like children is that they are like children that never grow up. On the upside, they always need you, they are always there, and they are always hogging the bed. The only bad thing about that is … they always FCNI General Manager Nicole Pell with her need you, they are always husband, Hans. there, and they are always hogging the bed. But really, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Pugsley can be the sweetest thing. She is never in a bad mood, and loves me when I am in a bad mood. From the time I get home in the evening until I leave the next morning – for the most part – Pugsley is there. She is standing between my feet if I’m in the kitchen, sitting or laying on me if I’m on the couch and snuggled up with me if I’m in the bed. She pretty much has my husband suckered into doing what she wants with a whine and an intense stare. She telepathically lets him know she wants him to bring her a treat. I’m sure most of you with pets feel the same. To me, once you share that unconditional love of a pet and look into those big brown eyes, there is no going back. They do not care if you’re having a bad hair day, if your clothes don’t match or if you put on a few extra pounds. They just love you for you. They are family. I really believe God put animals on this earth to enrich our lives, and I do think all dogs go to heaven. I can’t picture heaven being heaven without them. I hope that if you choose to adopt a pet, you be good to them. There is no excuse for taking a pet into your home as a member of your family and then mistreating or abusing them. So if you cannot treat them as they should be treated, please don’t adopt a pet. I hope you enjoy this edition of Franklin Living. Most all of these stories are wrapped up in the love of and for animals, from those who have adopted mistreated or abandoned pets into their homes to give them a better life, to those with just a pure love for animals of any kind, shape, size or texture. Take this edition of Franklin Living, sit down with your pets and read it while you scratch their heads.

ON THE COVER: NIcole Henderson, a teacher at Tharptown Elementary School, adopted LuLu to give her a loving home. Read more of their story on page 22.

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General Manager NICOLE PELL Managing Editor ALISON JAMES Franklin Living is published monthly by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc.

Sales PEGGY HYDE

Circulation TOMMY MORRIS

256-332-1881 • fax: 256-332-1883 www.franklincountytimes.com

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Photography ALISON JAMES 5

PETS

Ben, Owners Sammy & Opal Hall of Russellville

Gracie Presley, Owner Jeanette Presley of Russellville

Dusky, Owner Karen Townsend of Phil Campbell

Daisie, Owner Nicole Pell, FCT General Manager

Gus, Rhey, Zak, Darla & Bella, Owner Ramona Reed of Nick Ahmedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Auto Sales

Jazzo, Owners Dwight, Joan & Tyler Hargett of Belgreen

Chuck, Owners Ceila & Marvin Carlton of Red Bay

Honey, Owner Kerry Gilbert of Russellville

Katie, Owner Bobby Bolton of Bolton Furniture

Jake, Owners Sammy & Opal Hall of Russellville

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PETS

In memory of PePie, Owners David, Melissa & Kate Grissom of Russellville

Bea, Owner Kerry Gilbert of Russellville

Lad, Owner Steve & Kerri Parker of East Franklin in Oak Grove Community

Jody, Owner Buﬃe Ozbirn of Russellville Hospital

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Jett, Owner Jeﬀ Masterson of Russellville

Animal lover Madison Smith embraces menagerie of pets

Story and photos by ALISON JAMES

Madison brought LeBron James the rat into her family of pets a couple of years ago.

hen the average person claims to be a pet-lover, he probably means he is fond of dogs and cats. For Madison Smith, that love goes deeper. “I’ve really been into animals the past two years,” she said. Acquiring a pair of turtles first awoke her passion for pets. “We went to the flea market and saw some, and they were really cute, so I bought them.” In addition to her turtles, Smith has two leopard geckos, a crested gecko, two dogs, three cats, a frog and a rat – the latter of which she likes the most. “Most people freak out over the rat. He’s really sweet,” said Smith, a sophomore at Russellville High School. About two years ago, Smith was visiting an aunt in Pensacola, Fla., who is also an animallover, and mentioned that she wanted a rat. A quick trip to the pet store, and LeBron James the Rat became a member of the family. LeBron is joined by Opal and Jade, the leopard geckos; turtles Stefano and Spunky; cats Toby, Oliver and Belle; Axel and Burgess, the mastiff and Chihuahua; and the crested gecko and Pac Man frog, who don’t have names yet. Belle has been around the longest. She will turn 14 in May. “I love her so much,” Smith said. Smith and her family are currently installing a wall of terrariums and tanks on a wall in

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Smith’s bedroom, with an eye toward acquiring a few snakes – primarily she’s interested in pythons. She would also love to get a bird. She said she is interested in adding any pet to her menagerie. “I’m scared of spiders, but I want one,” Smith said. “They are so fun to watch. “I just like all animals. I like to care for them, and they’re fascinating,” Smith harbors aspirations of attending Auburn University and pursuing a veterinary degree. She would love to work at a zoo and care for exotic animals. Smith is the daughter of Rebecca and Shawn Smith, and she enjoys sharing her love of pets with her brother Blaine, 8, and sister Brooklyn, 4.

Madison is encouraging a love of pets among her young siblings, giving Brooklyn, 4, a chance to pet LeBron James the rat. Madison’s geckos and turtles are also a beloved part of her menagerie. Brother Blaine, 8, also enjoys interacting with her pets.

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Sanctuary Chihuahuas find haven with Gillilands Story and photos by ALISON JAMES

hen regional animal shelters and rescue groups have a Chihuahua-mix that needs a home, they know who to call: Stanley and Sheila Gilliland. The Gillilands, who live in Phil Campbell, had just one Chihuahua when they married in 1991. When Bitsy passed away, they soon added Blue, Clipper and Tipper, and that was how their “Chihuahua Sanctuary,” as Stanley calls it, began.

Today, the Gillilands have nine Chihuahuas: Tipper, Grey, Sam, Joey, Bella, Sweetie, Trigger, Lou and Cocoa. Each one has a distinct story and personality, and they all were adopted or rescued. Cocoa is the newest of the bunch, a nineweek old adoptee from the Heart of Alabama Save, Rescue, Adopt, a nonproﬁt no-kill shelter in Killen. The Gillilands have a passion for HASRA, donating $10 a week to the continued care of HASRA rescues – one of which was Cocoa’s mother. Stanley said HASRA owner Debbie Rappuhn handpicked the Gillilands to take Cocoa, knowing their love for Chihuahuas. “When Debbie calls, you can hardly say no,” said Stanley. Cocoa has bonded with Lou, who, incidentally, was also adopted from HASRA. Sheila “loves to look at Facebook at different animal rescue sites,” Stanley said. She ran across Lou’s

“T

heir tails are wagging, they’re so happy to see you, and you sit down and get puppy sugar.” ~Stanley Gilliland

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picture on the HASRA page near Thanksgiving 2015. “He was 15 years old, and someone had thrown him out,” Stanley said. “They were looking for a forever home.” They decided to call Rappuhn and find out about him. No one had asked after him at all, and the Gillilands were sold. “We called Debbie and said, ‘We want Lou,’” Stanley said. “We have a soft spot for older dogs … We figured nobody wanted him, and we didn’t feel like he should have lived that long just to get thrown out.” Lou had been found walking in the woods, skin and bones. Now he’s a beloved “sleeping buddy” for Stanley, who loves to snuggle under the covers at the foot of the bed. “We just felt sorry for him, but he’s been one of the best things we’ve ever done.” HASRA was started by a group of volunteers at the Florence Shelter who left to start their own no-kill rescue shelter. “To date, we have saved and placed in homes over 4,500 animals,” Rappuhn said. “We take neglected, abused and hurt animals from shelters across the state, but most of ours come from strays thrown away in our community because there are just so very many of them. When you see our place, you will see how our babies live – they have big playgrounds and are not confined. They have heat and air and are very loved and spoiled.” HASRA isn’t the only rescue that knows to match the Gillilands with Chihuahuas that come. Sweetie, the Jack Russell mix, came from the Colbert County animal shelter, sporting an amputated hind leg – it had been broken in two places and never fixed before she was dumped by previous owners. Bella the Teacup Chihuahua and Trigger the Chorkie are also from Colbert. Joey and Sam, a father-son pair, came through PAWS. Sam, Sheila said, “is the most skittish one. He’s taken the longest to acclimate to being here … Now he greets you at the door, which I never thought he would do ever.” “Chihuahuas are so sweet and cute and teeny,” said Sheila. Although she never planned on having so many, with HASRA or Colbert County call, “I can’t say no. I just can’t. I just feel so sorry for them. The poor babies have lost their homes.” Grey has been around the second longest, after Tipper. Grey is the only pure Chihuahua, purchased from someone who, Stanley said, had nearly let the puppy starve to death.

Cocoa, Trigger and Grey all have happy homes after being adopted by the Gillilands.

Tipper is the old-timer of this Chihuahua family.

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Stanley and Lou are close pals. Stanley calls Lou his “sleeping buddy.”

In addition to supporting HASRA, the Gillilands send a check to PAWS every month, and Stanley uses cash back from recycled ink cartridges to purchase paper towels and other supplies at Staples for Colbert County animal shelter. Even though the Gillilands have spent thousands of dollars on treatments for various medical conditions – especially for Blue, who has since passed away – not to mention the cost of food, pet cookies and other supplies, plus what they donate to rescues, the Gillilands see their Chihuahuas as a commitment they

have devoted themselves to. “It’s a lifelong commitment – you have to look at it as a child,” Stanley said. And it’s all worth it. “When you come home, you’re just bombarded. Their tails are wagging, they’re so happy to see you, and you sit down and get puppy sugar,” Stanley said. “They are just thrilled to see you.” “It’s just a passion we have,” he added. “We would have a hundred if we had room.” The Gillilands said anyone who is interested in rescue or adoption can get in touch with them – srg1014@aol.com.

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Blevins welcomes unwanted pets of all kinds

Story and photos by ALISON JAMES

ears of working as a nurse in different capacities led Karen Blevins to the school nurse position at Vina. She spend long hours dispensing medications, keeping an eye on chronic illnesses and treating scrapes and boo-boos of all sorts. But Blevins’ compassion and caring extend beyond the children of Red Bay to four-legged and two-legged furry and feathered friends of all sorts. Bevins’ latest addition to her pet palace is Muscovy ducks she came across at a yard sale – Big Ed, Monroe and the Dixie Chicks. “I called my husband and said, ‘Can I get some ducks?’” Blevins said. “He said, go ahead and get them if you want them. So we have had fun ever since then.” She said she hopes for eggs she can incubate and welcome ducklings into her animal family. Of course, ducks aren’t the only feathered friends Blevins shares her home with. Chickens rule the roost. Blevins raises Buff Orpingtons, and although she has considered selling some of her large flock, she has a hard time letting go. “This year I might

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try to sell some baby chicks and some eggs,” she said. “We’ve had chickens a long time … I have people who will come by and say, ‘I want to buy some of your chickens,’ and I say, ‘Well … I don’t think so.’ I just don’t know if I have enough. I don’t like to part with them.” Blevins will sometimes expand her brood by mail-ordering chicks. “They come to you at the post oﬃce. The postmaster will call you immediately, and you can hear the baby chicks in the background cheeping.” Bandit, Smoky, Sam, Mackie and Rosa Parks are the outdoor kitties. Fish breed in the small pond near the front door. Two turtles thrive in a tank upstairs. Mia is the indoor cat, born under a mobile classroom at Belgreen before the new school was built. “She was so small. She was probably less than ten days old because her eyes weren’t even open,” Blevins said. “Her mother was killed in front of the old gym, right there on the road. My daughter was in the gifted class, and she and her friends heard these little kittens crying. One of the little girls crawled under the mobile classroom, and she dragged out all these kittens. I get a call from my daughter: ‘Mommy, there’s a little kitten here at school. Can I bring it home?’ and I said, ‘Oh, yeah, go ahead. Bring it home.’ Blevins said what followed was an intense period of feeding the little kitten a

Karen Blevins’ four ducks have a grand time at her home in Phil Campbell, and they often enjoy nibbling straight out of her cupped hands.

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15 15

concoction of evaporated milk, water and egg yolk. “We fed her from a bottle from the time she was less than ten days old,” Blevins said. Mia is now 15 years old, having recently survived a serious case of pancreatitis. Sally the Golden Retriever also lives indoors. “She had been abandoned on the side of the room, and a family took her in, and then supposedly she started eating the cushions at the neighbor’s house –” so the Blevins agreed to take her on. “She’s a good dog.” Their other dog, Ash, a Saint Bernard/German Shepherd/ boxer, goes to work with Karen’s husband at the airport in Jasper. “She was a dog we pretty much rescued. Her mother was pretty young, 9 or 10 months old, and she really was not interested in feeding the puppies, so we bottle-fed her, too.” More unusual animals have also been beloved Blevins pets. “One of my daughter’s friends had a baby goat, and the mother wouldn’t take it,” Blevins said. So Blevins did. “That was the sweetest little goat. It would lay on your shoulder and drink from a bottle. But you know, goats get big. They get into trouble sometimes.” One day trouble came while Blevins was at school. Her high school children arrived home one afternoon and found that the goat had somehow managed to get inside the house. “He’d had a wonderful time. He got into some of my plants, and tracked dirt all over the house, and went to the bathroom and just had a heyday.

Blevins cherishes her chickens and hates the idea of parting with any of them. Mia the cat is now 15 years old, after having been rescued as a newborn kitten under Belgreen school.

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“I do not know how that goat got in this house.” As Rambo the goat grew older, rough-housing also became a problem. “He would butt your legs and run into you. He needed another goat play with, so we gave him to one of my daughter’s friends who had a herd of goats.” A goat isn’t the only less-conventional pet to be part of the Blevins’ family. An iguana was once in the picture, and Belvins’ son used to have a ball python for several years. Friends at church gave the family a 400-pound pig. “Her name was Cleopatra. We had a big pen for her and everything, but she escaped that. She was up in the yard one Sunday after church … We’ve had some interesting pets.” Blevins said her family has become known as the family that will take anything – and that’s pretty much the truth. “You don’t want them to not have a home. So we take animals in that don’t have homes,” she said. “I’ve loved animals all my life.” “I just like to have them around.”

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FOOD

Cooking with Sam Recipes by SAM WARF

Sour Cream Pound Cake 2 sticks soft butter 3 cups sugar 6 eggs 1 cup sour cream 1/2 tsp. soda 3 cups all-purpose ﬂour, sifted

1 tsp. lemon extract 1 tsp. vanilla Sift flour and measure. Re-sift twice with soda. Cream butter and add sugar slowly, beating constantly to cream well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in sour cream. Add flour mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, beat-

ing constantly. Stir in extracts and turn batter into 10-inch tube pan that has been greased with salt-free shortening and ﬂoured. Bake at 350 degrees about 1 1/2 hours, or until cake is done. Place on rack to cool ﬁve minutes before removing from pan. Loosen sides and tube with dull knife. Turn cake onto rack to cool completely. Serve un-iced.

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Devil’s Food Cake 1/2 cup cocoa 1/2 cup butter 3 eggs 1 cup sweet milk 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 tsp. soda 2 cups flour Take cocoa and 1/2 cup of milk and let boil until like cream. Add butter and let mixture cool. Add sugar, beaten eggs, rest of sweet milk, soda and flour (sifted together), stirring them into chocolate mixture. Bake in three well-greased and floured cake pans for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees. Ice with white cooked icing.

Blueberry Teacake 5 tbsp. shortening 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 2/3 cup milk 1 3/4 cup flour 3 tsp. baking powder 1 1/2 cups blueberries pinch of salt Cream shortening and sugar; beat in eggs. Sift flour with baking powder and pinch of salt. Add to shortening with milk. Stir in berries that have been rolled in some of the flour and sugar. Bake in greased and floured pan at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. Break in small pieces and serve hot with butter. Makes one sheet.

Stuffed Onions 6 large onions 1 garlic button 1 tbsp. butter 1 cup cooked ground ham 1 cup cooked spinach 3/4 cup cooked rice 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 beaten egg 1 cup chicken stock or 1 bouillon cube dissolved in 1 cup of hot water Salt, pepper and sage to taste 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Heavenly Chocolate Layered Dessert 1 15.25 oz. package dark chocolate fudge cake mix 1 large egg 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 3.9 oz. package chocolate fudge instant pudding mix 2 cups cold milk 1 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar 1 16 oz. container frozen nondairy whipped topping, thawed and divided 6 1.4 oz. toffee candy bars, coarsely chopped, reserving 1/4 cup crumbs for topping Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, egg and butter, stirring well to combine. Press mixture evenly into a lightly greased 13x9 inch baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

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Cut onions in half and carefully remove centers, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick. Boil onion shells until tender. Sauté the bits of onion removed from the centers with button of garlic in butter until tender. Combine ham, spinach and rice; add onion and garlic mixture. Stir 1/4 cup of bread crumbs and beaten egg and moisten with the chicken stock or bouillon. Season to taste with salt, pepper and sage. Fill pre-cooked onions, making mound on top and covering the entire onion. Mix 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese with 3/4 cup fine, dry breadcrumbs; sprinkle over tops of onions and brush with melted butter. Bake at 400 degrees until brown on top. Any ground meat, chopped chicken or turkey livers may be substituted for the ground ham.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk for two minutes. Cover and refrigerate for five minutes. In another mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners sugar at low speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add two cups whipped topping, stirring to combine. Sprinkle all except 1/4 cup chopped candy bar evenly over cake layer. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over candy bar layer. Spread remaining whipped topping over pudding layer. Sprinkle with reserved chopped candy bar.

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Local educators share their love for their furbabies Story and photos by ALISON JAMES

“T

eacher’s pet” is usually a derisive term children use to scoff classmates who seem to always be on the teacher’s good side, but for many teachers, there’s a furry critter at home who is waiting with unconditional love. Of course, for some teachers, the critter isn’t that furry at all. Phil Campbell High School’s Brandi Gholston, for example, loves her bearded dragons, which her family purchased a couple years ago. “We fixed an old chifforobe so they would have something big to live in, and I went out to the woods and got tree branches, and I’ve got fake vines in there and sands and rocks. It’s recommended that they have a basking rock and sand, but I wanted to make it to where they have a lot of things to crawl on.” The Gholstons added Plexiglas to the door openings, so the doors can be opened to reveal the dragons or closed to keep them out of sight. “The beardies,” named Rocky and Rosey, were about a year old when their new family brought them home, and Gholston said she hopes they will mate and lay a clutch of eggs. The family enjoys bringing them out of the chifforobe and letting them run around and play in the living room. “They try to cuddle. They aren’t real cuddly, but they

Brandi Gholston’s bearded dragons are her family’s “cuddly” companions.

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Nicole Henderson brought LuLu home after adopting her through PAWS. LuLu was thrown out a car window as a puppy and had to go through intensive treatment for a broken hip, broken leg and road rash, but today she is a thriving, happy pup.

“I

love all things critter. There’s not many animals I wouldn’t have.” ~ Brandi Gholston

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try, and they love human interaction,” Gholston added. Rocky loves to burrow into her hair. He and Rosey both enjoy being spritzed with water. A bearded dragon’s diet includes green leafy dishes, like romaine and kale. “I’ve fed them carrots before, and they like that,” Gholston said. “They need protein, so we do buy them their special diet from the pet store.” Gholston said caring for a bearded dragon is “the easiest thing in the world.” “They don’t have to have a lot of exercise. They don’t make noise. They don’t mind bathing. They don’t use the bathroom a lot. They’re really easy and fun and neat to have … I love all things critter. There’s not many animals I wouldn’t have.” For Tharptown Elementary’s Nicole Henderson, furbabies include LuLu, a part-Pomeranian/part-Eskimo spitz who she adopted from PAWS. LuLu is well-loved now, but she had a difficult start in life. In 2011, LuLu was a couple of months old when her owner tossed her out the window of a moving car. “The lady who saw it happen said the car was going about 65 miles an hour,” Henderson said. The Good Samaritan pulled over and found that the puppy was still alive, but examination by a veterinarian revealed a broken hip and broken leg, in addition to severe road rash. PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) of the Shoals came forward to cover the costs of treatment and try to find the puppy a home. “I already had a boy dog, and I was looking for him a companion,” Henderson said. “I saw her story and immediately fell in love.” So Henderson brought LuLu home – but the love, at first, wasn’t mutual. “She was very standoffish,” Henderson remembers. “She had demodectic mange –” which required a year of treatment “– but she eventually grew out of it, and now she has a full set of fur and her coat is really healthy.” And over time, a little TLC made LuLu comfortable in her new home. Amazingly, even Henderson’s territorial schnauzer Roscoe took to Lulu. “He did not mind, from the first day, for her to get in my lap and love all over me. He loved her,” Henderson said. “Now they are best friends. They’re with each other all the time. They never leave each other’s side.” Henderson said she wanted to give Lulu a loving home, and she cherishes the unconditional love her dogs give

in return. “When you get home after a bad day, they love on you and help you feel better,” Henderson said. They are also fun playmates for her sons, ages 2 and 3. Tori Bradley, who teaches math at Russellville Middle School and coaches JV volleyball and junior high softball, has a Lulu of her own, in addition to dogs Lady and Abby. Bradley is a professed animal lover from a young age. “‘Bambi’ and ‘Fox and the Hound’ were banned in my house,” Bradley said. “Ever since I was little I have had a soft spot for animals.” But in her senior year of high school, she took it up a notch, becoming more active in the pet advocacy and adoption community, particularly connecting with PAWS. “It was a meant-to-be type thing,” said Bradley. She was running an errand to Best Buy when she ran across PAWS having an adoption event at the PetCo next door. “I went over and gave them some money, and I saw one of them holding Lady. That was right after the tornadoes had happened.” Lady had been tossed around by the tornado that ravaged Phil Campbell, and her family’s home was destroyed. Her right eye was lost to injury. Bradley knew she had to adopt the hard-luck pup. “She’s still the happiest dog,” Bradley said. Even though Lady’s left eye later had to be removed as well, she retained an active, positive spirit. “She’s the most lovable dog. I couldn’t have asked for a better pet.” Abby was also adopted from the same event, and Lulu joined the family a few years later when Bradley was searching for a pet companion for her father. Bradley said she tries to share pet advice with her students, particularly encouraging them to consider adoption rather than buying from a breeder. “There are so many dogs that need good homes,” Bradley said. She also urges responsible pet ownership.

Tori Bradley’s dogs are Lady, Abby and Lulu.

In memory Since being photographed for this story, Lady has passed away. We treasure getting to meet her and share her story.

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Adopting a dog or cat later in life

ompanion animals bring great joy to their owners. The unconditional love cats and dogs provide appeals to people of all ages. While many people associate pets with kids who can’t wait to welcome the first cat or dog into their homes, pets can benefit aging men and women as well. It’s not uncommon for seniors to feel lonely or depressed when they retire, their children move away or they lose a spouse or close friend or friends. The American Humane Society states that studies show pets help seniors overcome loneliness and depression by providing affection, company and entertainment. Pets also provide much-needed mental stimulation, and many pet owners find their pets help them become more physically active as well.

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Seniors who adopt pets may also feel a sense of purpose when helping animals who may not have anywhere to live. This is particularly true of older companion animals, which many young families are understandably hesitant to adopt. Mature pets might be an ideal fit for seniors. When seniors are looking to adopt a pet, there are various reasons why older pets or particular animals might be the perfect fit for them. · Adult pets may already be house trained, saving seniors the trouble and effort of training them. · Seniors may find cats fit their lifestyles more than dogs, as cats are less active and do not need to be walked or played with as much as dogs. Cats also are small and easily maneuverable, meaning even

seniors who have arthritis or other physical limitations can easily care for cats. Many cats are also content to spend long periods of time sleeping on their owners’ laps. · Small dogs that can be active within the house might be a good idea as well, especially for seniors with mobility issues. They’re also easily transported to and from vet appointments. It’s important that seniors carefully weigh the benefits of adopting a pet against any limitations they may have. Having a backup plan for care is advantageous as well. Seniors should not adopt a pet if they anticipate frequent travel or medical care that requires they be away from home for long periods of time.

PETS

Mollie, Owners Sammy & Opal Hall of Russellville

Lacey Lulu, Owner Shelia Borden of Russellville

Lulu & Baby Belle, Owner Megan Storm Spencer of Red Bay

Pearl, Owners Ceila & Marvin Carlton of Red Bay

Miss Blossom, Owner Sam Warf of Russellville

Vivian, Owner Tina Lawler of Hodges

Rosie, Owner Nicole Pell, FCT General Manager

Toto, Owners Robert & Ann Hicks of Spruce Pine

T.J., Owner Jackie Scott of Hodges

Max & Snoopie, Owner Kris Spencer of Red Bay

Puglsey, Owner Nicole Pell, FCT General Manager

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PETS

River Phoenix, Owner Darlene Hester of Russellville

Waylon & Willie, Owner Connie Hester of Phil Campbell (East Franklin area)

Max, Owners Chris, Angela, Noah & Ben Williams of Phil Campbell

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LOOKING BACK

Looking back photos courtesy of the Franklin County Archives.

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LOOKING BACK

Looking back photos courtesy of the Franklin County Archives.

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PARTING SHOT

“A house is not a home without a pet.” ~Anonymous

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TifÀn Motor Homes

105 Second Street NW • Red Bay, AL 256-356-8661

Darlene Dotson When Tiffin’s Darlene Dotson retires later this year, she will have dedicated 28 years to the company. Dotson began with Tiffin Motorhomes in 1989 in parts and accounts receivable – a department in which she has remained for nearly

three decades. Dotson was working at a bank at the time but had hoped to pursue a full-time opportunity with Tiffin as she prepared for her children to start school. “When I worked at the bank, I waited on Mr. Bob – he would bring his deposits,” Dotson recalls. “They were in the process of building some new production across the street, and I asked him at the bank one day if he was going to need any office work at that area.” He told her he didn’t think so, but when she emphasized her interest, he said he would keep her in mind. “Just out of the blue one day, he calls me and says, ‘We’re needing somebody in cash receipts,’” Dotson said. “When he called, I came the next week.” When Dotson began at Tiffin, she remembers she had three filing cabinets for keeping track of all the invoices, receipts and associated paperwork. Today, she works with 30-plus filing cabinets. “Things have changed a lot and are changing all the time,” Dotson said. “It’s been great to be a part of it.” Her job responsibilities, however, have stayed the same, although the workload has increased exponentially. Although she stays busy, Dotson said she has learned to pace herself and is able to pretty easily stay on top of all the tasks that come her way. “(Orders) go through the parts section; they pull the parts and box them

and weigh them,” Dotson said. “Then I pull those invoices and post … We post three times a day, morning, noon and evening, and then we work up cash receipts as we get our checks through the mail. There are days when I leave that I don’t get finished, and I put rubber bands around stuff and stack it up to do, but overall it flows pretty easily. But you have to do it daily or you get behind.” A native of Red Bay, Dotson and her husband Melvin – who retired from Tiffin after nearly four decades working there – have two grown children, Lana and Devin. Outside of work, Dotson enjoys working outdoors and reading, as well as spending time with family – blood family as well as Tiffin family. “When you work with someone for so many years, we all become like family,” Dotson said. She and her husband particularly enjoy spending time with a co-worker’s adopted daughter, 6-year-old Asia. “She’s our buddy,” Dotson said. “We babysit her some, and she likes to come, and we like playing with her.” Although Dotson is nearing and anticipating her retirement, she said she has enjoyed her many years at Tiffin. “I am thankful to be a small part of such a vast company,” she said. “When I talk with customers that are here for service, and they are third-time Tiffin owners, I feel good about that. I appreciate the Tiffin family so much.”