Since 2013, Teddy Bear Care (TBC) has been providing affection, security, and love, to animals in Greene County. An oft quoted line says, “no amount of time can erase the memory of a good dog” and it is because of a certain good dog named Teddy that TBC began. Following the passing of her beloved Teddy, Donna Roberts and Charlotte Williams-Newton created Teddy Bear Care as a way to deal with their loss.
TBC helps the animals and humans of Greene County in many ways. Donna says, “TBC will field calls from residents, state & local police, and we assist the dog wardens on occasion… We run our emergency vehicle, we do search & rescue, trap-neuter-release, and assist with people who have a valid diagnosis that requires a support or emotional support dogs.”
The biggest undertaking for TBC has been the Mather Cat Rescue Operation. Thirty-one cats had been living under one roof. This number climbed to 41 cats after several cats gave birth to kittens. TBC rescued the cats from the home, got medical treatment for the cats, and eventually found them loving homes. “The total vet bill [and only the vet bill] was $7,300, not including the other expenses we incurred for emergencies, medications, and other supplies,” Donna says. “Mr. Jerry Dorsey owned the old fire hall and he allowed us to use it for the 72 days we cared for the cats,” – while the cats received medical treatment and TBC found homes for them.
In December 2020, TBC led a successful search mission for a white cat named McKenzie in the dead of winter, missing for twelve days. TBC has also been responsible for giving several dogs a new lease on life through the rehab team led by Cathy Glad after rescuing them from heartbreaking conditions.
Donna shares exciting news for TBC. There will be a new TBC Junior Volunteer Program and also a “new Emergency Transport Vehicle for the community. This operation has helped the counties that we serve to respond to hit and run, and also vet health runs for residents that have the need.”
TBC is always looking for new volunteers and foster families. They are very grateful to their volunteers and show their appreciation with a volunteer awards ceremony every other year. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, be assured that you will receive the training you need from TBC.
“Every volunteer must complete this class, and pass a short test… We feel it is wrong to just throw someone into the work without knowing who Teddy was, what we do, and how we do it! We also do our best to match each person with their skill sets so that everyone is doing something they enjoy doing while loving animals, and help the animals at the same time.”
To become a TBC volunteer, you will need to fill out the application on https://www.tbccares.org/volunteer. In addition to volunteers, TBC always welcomes donations of blankets, sheets and towels.