Pet Supplies Plus Steps in to Aid Rescued Dogs; 119 Found in Tennessee Puppy Mill Bust

America’s Favorite Neighborhood Pet Store Donates Over $20,000 to RHEA to Support Dogs Recovering from Abuse and Neglect

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Pet Supplies Plus – the largest and most trusted pet retail franchise in the United States – stepped in to help assist the team at the RHEA County Animal Shelter after the organization rescued 119 Yorkies, Chihuahuas and other smaller-breed dogs from a horrible puppy mill in Knoxville, Tennessee last month. In effort to get the dogs back in good health, Pet Supplies Plus donated over $20,000 worth of product and supplies.

As of today, the corporate team from Pet Supplies Plus was able to provide wet dog food, deworming medicine, flea/tick prevention, bandages, medical supplies, beds, food bowls and other necessary grooming supplies such as brushes, nail trimmers, etc. While some dogs have regained their health, some are still are on the road to recovery and are waiting to be medically cleared in addition to being assessed for any behavioral issues. Each dog is still in foster care with a long list of potential adoptive parents, many who are currently fostering the dogs, lining up to place them permanently in their forever homes.

Immediately following the evacuation from the inhumane conditions, all animals were transported to the RHEA Count Animal Shelter, located at 9118 Back Valley Road in Evensville. Local Pet Supplies Plus team members from six Knoxville area stores – Pet Supplies Plus of Maryville, Pet Supplies Plus of Knoxville, Pet Supplies Plus of Knoxville, Pet Supplies Plus of Knoxville, Pet Supplies Plus of Knoxville and Pet Supplies Plus of Cookeville – selflessly donated their time and resources to provide grooming appointments to the dogs, many of which were suffering from severe diseases such as parasites, gum disease and other health issues. Each Pet Supplies Plus team member is trained to treat pets with nothing but kindness, patience, respect and compassion to ensure their well-being.

“Pet Supplies Plus is honored to be able to help the RHEA County Animal Shelter. We admire their efforts and determination that went into locating these helpless animals,” said Chris Rowland, CEO of Pet Supplies Plus. “The conditions the 119 dogs lived in were extreme, which why we felt absolutely inclined to step in to provide our resources. We’re hopeful that our resources will continue to help in their road to recovery after being abused and neglected for an immeasurable amount of time. Most importantly, I’m blown away by the number of our employees, from our surrounding franchise locations, who volunteered to help aid the animals and also the shelter. For that, I thank each and every one of you.”

Pet Supplies Plus offers a wide array of natural pet foods, and a variety of Made in the USA pet consumables. These include wet and dry food, treats, rawhide and chews. Set in welcoming neighborhood environments, Pet Supplies Plus team members get to know their neighbors and pets by name at every store. Many locations also feature a full offering of grooming services tailored to meet every pet’s needs, including washes, haircuts, body brushing, flea treatment and nail, skin, ear and oral care.

Donations to the RHEA County Animal Shelter are welcome. For more information on when the animals will be available for adoption or how to donate, please visit www.rheacountytn.gov or call (423) 775-7837. Additionally, neighbors are encouraged to visit www.petsuppliesplus.com/Store to find and contact their closest store for details.