This Saturday, the sounds of cheerful barks and live music will permeate the woods of Baker Creek Preserve in South Knoxville. Starting at 8:30 a.m. and lasting until 1 p.m. the second annual Tails on Trails — Hike to Save Pets, will bring together pets and pet lovers to honor the memory of passed on companions.
Additionally, the event will raise money through the UT College of Veterinary Medicine for those who need help paying for medical treatment for their furry, or not so furry, friends.
“I started Tails on Trails to honor my two cats, Nomar and Mia, and to help others who’ve lost a pet find comfort in nature and community. It began as a small way to turn grief into something meaningful — to do good in their memory,” Scott Colby, founder of Tails on Trails, said.
After the loss of Nomar and Mia, Colby connected with the UT Veterinary social work team who provides counseling for those who need help navigating the loss of a much adored pet. This then led to a collaboration that has resulted in both the Tails on Trails event as well as the Nomar and Mia Compassion Fund that provides for medical treatment at the UT Veterinary Medical Center.
Dr. Bethanie Poe, the Associate Director of Operations & Education Center for Veterinary Social Work, highlighted the importance of community outreach and cooperation to their work.
“Community outreach is an essential part of the UT College of Veterinary Medicine’s mission that allows us to help people in a variety of ways. Through collaboration and support with people like Colby allows us to continue and extend the impact we’re able to have,” Poe said.
This year’s Tails on Trails looks to be a much bigger event than the last with live music, food trucks, vendors and the Golden Paw Awards that celebrate local veterinarians and clinic staff. Colby was very pleased with the sense of community that last year’s event fostered but is excited to see what this year’s new pieces bring.
The UT College of Veterinary Medicine will also be expanding its role this year by leading the Memorial Walk for people to honor their lost pets. A table providing information on their Veterinary Social Work program will be present as well.
Colby hopes for Tails on Trails to continue to grow over the coming years and become a Knoxville tradition. He wants the event to be looked forward to every fall as a time and place for people to celebrate pets and find community with each other. Colby summed up this goal succinctly.
“To help people heal, connect and give back — honoring the pets who changed our lives by doing something that makes a difference,” said Colby.
Saturday’s festivities are shaping up to be an exciting time for the animal lovers of Knoxville who are looking to either honor their passed pets or just needing an excuse to spend the great fall weather with their pawed partners.
