This week, Smyth Animal Rescue is celebrating the successful adoption of Nikki, who spent 888 days in shelters.
She is one of many success stories that local animal rescue supporters are celebrating. Last year, Smyth County’s animal shelter, now operated by SAR, had its highest live release ever.
Nikki first came to the Smyth shelter on Sept. 30, 2023. Early the next year, the non-profit SAR transferred her to a rescue partner in Northern Virginia, where because of the larger population more pets are adopted.
However, Nikki isn’t a city girl. According to SAR, she “is a dog who very much needs room to run.”
She needed an adopter who could give her abundant physical activity. So, Nikki was transferred back to SAR on June 16, 2024.
Shelter staff and volunteers “loved her and rooted for her happy ending every step of the way. She went on many adventures such as walks at the lake, overnight camping trips, and to many of our community outreach/fundraiser events. Many people showed interest but unfortunately, she was passed over time and time again for one reason or another,” said a SAR spokesperson.
Then, came a potential adopter from Hillsville. (SAR adopts nationwide.)
The connection clicked and on March 6, Nikki was adopted.
The adopter’s granddaughter recently told SAR, "Papa said that he’s so happy that he got her! She is having the time of her life outside. She gets so happy when she sees me. I think she remembers me from the rescue!! Papa said she will be visiting next time they come to Marion!”
Many More Dogs and Cats
Nikki is one of many dogs and cats that SAR strives to care for and get into homes.
Dave and Susie Fields, founders and leaders of SAR, recently updated the Smyth County Board of Supervisors on their work operating the Smyth County Animal Shelter.
In September 2024, Smyth County entered a contract with SAR to operate the shelter.
With 2025 being their first full year overseeing shelter operations, Susie Fields said that they’ve worked on best practices to better care for the animals, including vaccinating the animals to prevent disease spread and spaying/neutering and microchipping them before adoption.
She also said they’ve worked to upgrade the 30-year-old facility that is showing its age.
A 2025 grant helped SAR buy a back-up generator that Susie Fields said was lifesaving during this past winter’s snow and ice storm.
Additionally, she said they added a fenced-in concrete pad for dog exercise and play. Before this change, the dogs were kept in inside kennels and had no time outdoors.
An additional grant for 2026, Susie Fields said will allow the overhaul of the isolation room, add a dog washing station, and get elevated beds for cat cages, all at no cost to taxpayers.
The Virginia Federation of Humane Societies provided the grants.
As SAR strives to provide the “absolute best care” to the animals, Susie Fields told supervisors that at 90.7% Smyth County’s shelter had its highest live release percentage in its history. That contrasts to 60.7% in 2022, she said.
Susie Fields credited the success to multiple organizations, including SAR, its sister organization Smyth County Humane Society, Animal Control, and local veterinarians along with the community. The public, she said, plays an instrumental role.
For dogs, Susie Fields said 25% are reclaimed by their owners, 25% are adopted locally, and 40% are transferred to rescue partners.
For cats, few are reclaimed and few are adopted. About 70% are transferred to a partner rescue.
Challenges do still exist.
Susie Fields said that the rescue partners can’t take larger dogs. Nationally, adoptions of larger dogs are declining and, she said, that trend also seems to be happening locally.
Problems with overpopulation in the community also continue.
“Communities can’t continue producing more puppies and kittens than they can care for,” Susie Fields said.
While there’s still work to be done, she said, the community should be proud of what’s been accomplished.
Spay-Ghetti No Balls Dinner & Music
One way to help is supporting fundraisers hosted by Smyth’s animal rescue organizations.
The Smyth County Humane Society is hosting Spay-Ghetti No Balls Dinner & Music event on Saturday, April 18, at Marion’s First United Methodist Church. This night will include a Italian spaghetti dinner along with music from the acoustic duo, Morrison & Perkins.
Drive-thru pick-up will be from 5-6 p.m. Dine-in seating and music from 6-8 p.m. Presale tickets are available online at the Smyth County Humane Society website --www.smythanimalrescue.org -- or via the Facebook event: $18 for adults, $5 for kids under 12.
All proceeds go to the Smyth County Humane Society’s spay/neuter program. Sponsors are Custom Air Heating & Cooling, Roger’s Towing, Bradley’s Funeral Home, Davis Valley Distillery & Winery, and Davenport Investments.
