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4-H members from all over the county donated cat and dog food for the new Blount County animal shelter in response to their requests for donations in the Maryville Daily Times.

They collected 541 pounds of dry pet food and 160 cans of pet food. 4-H clubs participated from Montvale, Eagleton, Porter, Friendsville, Rockford, Lanier and Union Grove Elementary Schools. In addition, Maryville Christian, the Homespun Kids, the Smoky Mountain Explorers, and the 4-H Horse project group also contributed pet food.

The winning class donating the most items will receive an ice cream party in January. Presently, the top two schools are Union Grove Elementary and Lanier Elementary. Upon delivery of the pet food, 4-H members who came to the shelter to unload the food were greeted by the Blount County animal shelter coordinator. Then they were treated to a tour by the animal control officer who shared all the good qualities about each one of the dogs available for adoption. They also noted the new facility's amenities which included the built-in sanitation drains and beds for the dogs.

The final stop was the cat room where 4-H'ers were delighted to play and cuddle with the many cats who were available for adoption.

While no 4-H'er was able to adopt a pet at this time, they said they were now aware of the problem of the homeless pet population and animal abuse in the county.

4-H is planning another service project to continue to assist the new shelter and several 4-H members expressed a personal desire to volunteer their time to walk dogs and play with the cats. Anyone interested in the 4-H program may contact the 4-H office at 982-6430.