Great organization and volunteers. Application process designed to ensure you are ready for this adventure. Once we got our appointment time to pick up our girl, everything went smoothly and included everything you could think of. Health records, food, instructions, and follow-up info all provided. Great atmosphere. Our girl is settling in nicely in her new home. Consider donating to this wonderful organization where you can see how those donations directly benefit the animals and community.
FOCCAS is a great organization with amazing volunteers. I recently adopted two bonded dogs from them and couldn’t be happier with my decision. They get along well with my current dog and are a perfect fit for my household. Having lost my 16-year-old dog and 15-year-old cat in the last 1 1/2 years, my heart is now full again with the addition of the two pups I adopted from FOCCAS. I will be forever grateful that they selected me to adopt them. Thank you so much FOCCAS!
We adopted Chico at FOCCAS, my family drove 2 hours to meet and bring home our big boy and they made all of this possible. We've been waiting so long for a special dog to add to our rescues and their team made sure we have a perfect match. They gave exceptional insights on what to expect to our new dog and what help they can provide. We love our Chico and we are happy we found him at FOCCAS.
I fostered a dog for FOCCAS, I was told of an adopter and the circumstances he'd be subjected to -- I adopted him instead. A foster-fail. I agreed to foster another dog, he had PRA and eventually went blind - he's still here and will be going NOWHERE. This is his home. I agreed to foster a couple puppy siblings for a few months, couldn't find an adopter for the bonded pair, they'll be celebrating their SECOND year here, with no plans of leaving. Their Distressed Animal Program covered the vet bill when one of mine was involved in a dog fight. Neither of the dogs were theirs, but they paid the bill anyway. Personally, FOUR dogs are alive and well thanks to the people at FOCCAS. I volunteer where I can as my "thank you" for their efforts to better the lives of the community and the animals within.
I foster for FOCCAS and have had several great dogs pass through my home. FOCCAS is committed to helping unwanted dogs find stable loving homes. Fostering is a life saver. The foster family is essential to finding the perfect fit between human and dog. God bless all the volunteers, donors and adopters
I adopted a doodle, Frankie, from Foccas almost 2 years ago. They do a great job of caring for them! I am now volunteering with Foccas and love it! Foccas is the only Organization, outside of the animal shelter, that will take in unwanted dogs (dumped) or dogs whose owners are no longer able to care for them.
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I volunteer with Foccas. The volunteers are so great with the dogs. Very busy and needed rescue!
I adopted my Goldendoodle, Frankie, from Foccas, and she is the best dog! I highly recommend them for adoptions and volunteering!
FOCCAS is an amazing charity - the volunteers work solely to help the animals live a great life !! I’ve personally been involved with FOCCAS since moving to Crossville and have set up a monthly donation and also just recently the firm I work for also donated which was beyond fantastic - the charity relies solely on donations so it’s extremely important we get support for this charity !
I also fostered and later adopted my beloved Husky RUE from FOCCAS - she’s the best dog ever
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A Fantastic organization!!! FOCCAS and Jan have been absolutely amazing - this charity truly puts the animals welfare first and foremost on everything they do. We met by chance by now this organization is one I will fully support. We fostered a beautiful puppy Called Rue and am delighted to say we are proud foster fails - Rue is now ours and we love her unconditionally!! Thank you to Jan for your tireless work your commitment and your passion to help the animals of Cumberland County.
Everyone I work with is a true professional. I feel like family and all the volunteers are welcoming. The best part, getting forever homes for these great dogs and cats.
Foccas and there wonderful staff is the main reason for recovery from losing our 14 yr old springer Banks to bone cancer. We went on the Foccas web site and fell in love with Bodhi a bull terrier mix. The adoption process was very easy. We decided to take a road trip to Tennessee from Chicago to pick him up. It was a fantastic idea we got to meet the wonderful loving staff who give their time to save all these wonderful pets. Bodhi was well fed and very healthy all shots and neutered. He came home potty trained and so eager to please. We Love him with all our heart. But that love we receive comes from the love they received in the shelter. We will donate every year to Foccas on behalf of Bodhi and his friends we had to leave behind. This was the first time I have ever had a rescue pet I was always scared of the unknown. I was wrong it has been so much fun learning Bodhi cute personalities, not some thing we tought him. Please give Foccas the chance to help you fi d your new best friend. DELLA
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We had lost our 14 yr old springer and was looking for an other dog to love and spoil. We went on website and found Toby 3 yr old bull terrier mix. We were so anxious to adopt We took a road trip from Chicago to Tennessee. The wonderful people taking care of the animals are truly loving people. They vet you so you take home the perfect animal, that fits your life style. Toby had all his shots was neutered had flea and heartworm meds. The were well fed and happy. We are so happy with Toby. He has definitely found his forever home. Thankyou to all the.people at Foccas.
FOCCAS turned this girl’s life around … Maxie was rescued from a nasty place, fostered and loved, now adopted! Thank you FOCCAS for your financial support (rescuing, transporting, vet care, shots, spaying, and heartworm positive treatment). Thank you for caring for Maxie and giving us all the support and encouragement we needed to foster and adopt her.
FOCCAS does the same for dozens of dogs each month. Their director and volunteers are always available. And they find the best fosters who help to make these fur babies adoptable.
I recently adopted a dog from FOCCAS. I could not be happier with how the whole experience went, from beginning to end. FOCCAS arranged transport from Tennessee to Illinois, where we live. Everything went smoothly and we now have a wonderful new addition to our family. I highly recommend this rescue they are great people.
After losing our beloved female cattle dog in May, 2024, we weren’t going to adopt again because we still had a magnificent Carolina Dog. In a short time I began to look at rescues and found FOCCAS in Tennessee about 125 miles from our home.
At FOCCAS I found Millie, a mixed Carolina and Anatolian Shepherd. I read her bio and saw she had been there for 3 years and 9 months. The posting pulled at my heart, and for seven days I kept telling my husband I just have to go and get that girl.
I contacted FOCCAS and the oncologist that started the rescue, along with his wife, got back with me immediately. He told me all about Millie, her history and why she had been passed over. I asked him since she had been there for almost four years, would it be better for her to stay with him. His answer almost made me cry. He said, “No, I believe she would love her own bed.”
FOCCAS immediately sent me the paperwork and asked for personal references and did contact them. Once we completed the application process and was approved, we traveled to pick up our new girl.
The meeting with the FOCCAS TEAM was a wonderful and uplifting experience. They provided nine pages of veterinary visits, vaccinations and treatments. The adoption steps were exactly as FOCCAS told us - every action was positive.
Millie is now a wonderful member of our family. She’s healthy, quirky, funny and well adjusted. Her good disposition and excellent health is a direct result of FOCCAS - they continued to care of her for so many years. We simply can’t thank them enough.
I write this because I want everyone to know what a wonderful job FOCCAS did to take care of our Millie. I recommend them highly. They are an exceptional rescue organization and deserve much support. We cannot thank them enough.
I fostered a wonderful long coat dachshund who was blind. He was only 4 and found his perfect family in Massachusetts and a long coat brother and sister. He is living the “good life” and is very happy. Next I fostered a chihuahua mix and he became part of my family forever. Monty is a great companion for my dachshund who is blind and diabetic, and a fun loving part of the pack.
I adopted Suzie Q from Foccus Jan 28th this year. I am having health issues after heart surgery and returned her to Foccus on June 2nd. On June 3rd I get a call that she was found in the middle of the road running and a woman stopped and picked her up. She took her to a Vet in Crossville where they scanned the chip and got my name and number. I was very upset that within 24hrs she was let out running down the street where she could be killed.
I called the rescue who was unaware Suzie Q was loose. I then called the woman who I had spoke with since her adoption and she said she would get someone to go get Suzie at the vet.
The woman who found Suzie was very upset that this happened and I was too. I live 2 1/2 hours away and it would have been a long drive to get her. The Foccus owner's husband came to get Suzie Q and did not even have a leash. The lady gave him a leash and had to insist he use it.
I told them when I gave her to them she was a runner and to keep her secure. I wrote detailed notes about her care. I gave them her bed, leash, collar, food etc. and meds.
I called the rescue after she was picked up and said that this was very careless to not keep the dog secured and she could have been killed. The person at the rescue got very defensive and hung up on me. They do not reply to phone calls, emails or instant message on Facebook. I have no way of knowing if Suzie is alive. I offered to keep her until an adopter could be found. No replies. Even though there is a shortage of fosters.
Still no one bothers to reply to my emails. I need to know if Suzie is safe. I am worried about her, my opinion they do not have any compassion or remorse for letting this innocent animal out on the street.
I adopted my heart dog, Jesse from them in October 2022. Over the years I have adopted from several different organizations. Focus was the most helpful, and organized. It was a smooth process. You could tell that their only concern was that the animal was going to be loved and taken care of.
This group goes above and beyond every single day to ensure the healthy and safety of animals in their care and in the county. There is no way to explain how beneficial they are to this community and the difference they have made in the lives of animals in the area. We need more people like them. They give their all and then some!
FOCCAS is an amazing rescue. They truly care about the dogs that they help. I love the fact that they have a strict adoption process to ensure the dogs go to good homes.
My husband and I adopted a dog from them earlier this year that turned out to be the perfect fit to complete our family.
I adopted Birdie fro FOCCAS almost four years ago. She has made such a huge difference in our lives. The amount of dogs that they rescue in our area is incredible. Our county could not live without them. I am so ever grateful for Birdie and the tremendous job that they do.
I was amazed at how this rescue and the owner of this rescue, Jan Hendrixson, treated each dog like an individual and really gets to know the dog. I had such an honest conversation with them on what I was looking for, showed up to meet the dogs and they were all really cared for and cared about. Such a top notch shelter that takes in all breeds, health conditions, and temperaments. I reccomend this place to everyone!
I have had the pleasure of working with this group and even fostered in the past. There heart is in this and frequently go way above and beyond for the animals in Cumberland County and surrounding areas. They frequently take animals that other rescues and the shelter won't or can't even when they are over extended. All the animals anlre very well cared for, often fornthenfirst time in their life.
We worked with this great organization while adopting our Remi. Received a call the day after we submitted our application. Every person we worked with to make this adoption happen were wonderful. We were impressed with the background checks to make sure their rescue was being placed in a wonderful home. This group is made up of very dedicated and caring people.
I don't know what would happen to all of the discarded, lost and abused animals in our area & the surrounding areas without FOCCAS. Amazing group of volunteers and animal advocates.
I'm impressed at how this grass roots charity has grown and thank all the founders and volunteers for your wonderful work with the strays and abused animals of Cumberland county.
FOCCAS took in this poor little puppy when she was found as a stray with a target drawn on her head. They fostered her for a month and suggested her to us as a dog who fit what we were looking to adopt. Now our little Bean has a happy life with us! Thank you FOCCAS for connecting us! They take in a lot of animals who other organizations can't.
I volunteer there & every person who volunteers there goes above & beyond. Their day volunteer is so great with all of the dogs.
The most caring organization that I’ve been honored to work with. They go above and beyond to help animals in need. They do whatever is necessary to help maintain animal safety. It’s a 24/7 job and it’s totally voluntary. The organization doesn’t get the credit that they deserve for what they do day in and day out.
They are always helping the community find loving homes for so many animals, I adopted from them 2 years ago and Banks is the love of my life.
If it weren’t for FOCCAS, our local animal shelter would most likely have to put many more animals down. They do so much for Cumberland county animals!!!
This organization and their volunteers give 110% to the animals in need! - I will continue to support FOCUS in the coming years for a job well done!
This is a great organization that supports its local community. It is run by volunteers who care passionately for animals that find themselves lost or homeless. We adopted our Lucy from them in January 2021. She was pulled from the local shelter by FOCCAS and given another chance at life. We love her so much and are so thankful for the people who worked so hard to help her and continue to save others like her
FOOCAS is a caring group of staff and volunteers that are all about animal welfare. Jan Hendrixson is an advocate for improving animal safety and welfare throughout the state of Tennessee. The volunteers go above and beyond to care for our animals in our rescue.
Focus is great. The volunteers work so hard to make sure all the dogs are well taken care of. We lost our 13 year old Shih Tzu to diabetes & large tumor developed.
We also have another Shih Tzu that was only 3. We wanted to have a play mate for our 3 year old (Ricky). When we saw a picture of Bandit on Focus on Cumberland County Animal Safety web site, we were very interested in him.
Volunteering to be foster first would have worked but , we fell in love with him.
We adopted Bandit within a week. Great organization to adopt.
I've been fostering for FOCCAS for a few years now and they are so supportive of me ! I've personally witnessed the difference they make in the lives of abandoned, abandoned and neglected dogs.
We can not say enough good things about this rescue! It was our first time adopting a dog and honestly they made it the BEST experience of our lives! Our search for adopting a dog started after having to make the hardest decision of our lives, putting our old dog who was struggling with cancer to sleep. We dealt with a few other rescue organizations online through Pet Finder and local shelters up here in CT. But we had horrible experiences with them never returning any of our emails till weeks later telling us the dog we were interested in was already matched with another application. Of course we were heartbroken but happy the dogs we were hoping to get got adopted. But we were so frustrated at the same time that they couldn't get back to us for weeks. We do understand that they are volunteers and they are very busy but just a two second email saying not available would have been nice just so we didn't get our hopes up.
Our experience here at Foccas of Cumberland County TN was completely different. Just 20 minutes after filling out the application we received a phone call from TN and it was Brenda the adoption corridinator!!! When we couldn't even get an email back for weeks from other organizations!! Brenda and Jan( the owner) are absolutely amazing and they made the process of adopting our fur baby Wiggles so very easy! Wiggles is honestly the BEST thing that has happened to us. She mended our broken hearts and has filled our lives with so much love and joy. We will forever be grateful for them for letting us adopt her!! Everyone at this rescue works so very hard. They are not only helping all these animals, they are also helping people like us fulfill our lives with the unconditional love and companionship of a fur baby! Animals are therapeutic and so good for our well-being! Please help and adopted from them or donate to them today! We promise you won't be sorry!!
Tyler and Andrea with Wiggles
Connecticut
So efficient from start to finish. They make sure that their rescues only go to homes where they know they will be treated well and loved. Brenda was great from start to finish. She kept in touch with me, arranged everything and I couldn’t be happier with the wonderful dog that I have. You can tell that his foster parents did a great job with him. I would highly recommend this rescue to everyone!
They were very helpful and always got back to me quickly with answers to all my questions. Thanks to Foccas we now have a wonderful new addition to our family.
I adopted the perfect companion from this group. I couldn’t be more happy and everyone was so helpful and knowledgeable.
Today we thought we were gonna have to give our sweet Rubbel up because I couldn't afford his shots or a crate to keep him in during work hours because of where we live , he was given to my son by a sweet family friend for an emotional support animal, anyways very close friends Jeff and Beverly Amarello had told us about this wonderful place that would find our sweet boy a good loving home . We took him there this morning to find out that these sweet and caring people were Abel to do the things we needed to be Abel to keep our sweet boy . Thank you guys so so much for giving him his shots and providing a crate so we could keep Rubbel. You are so amazing
FOCCAS did an amazing job caring for our new rescue boy, Omar. He was one of 3 dogs abandoned from their home to make it on their own. Neighbors fed them but could not catch them. A search and rescue team safely captured all 3 in January. Omar is the first to be adopted to his forever home. He is a wonderful ❤️ boy, so sweet and gentle. He joined our 3 dogs and now we are 4. He's adjusting very well. FOCCAS staff and volunteers are truly heros, with genuine love for the pets in need of a home. We found Omar in our petfinder search for a Carolina dog in need of a home. He's a wonderful mix and rescue is the way to go when you are ready for a dog or cat. If you have room in your life, consider any of the rescues in need. I hope to see Omar's family, Orion and Odessa, to find their own forever homes soon. The 3 dogs were found together and showed one another the love and selflessness to get one other through survival outside. There is nothing like a rescue pet, they appreciate your generosity in opening up your home and life to them. FOCCAS has been wonderful to the dogs and cats in such great need. Support them as you can through adoption or donations.
I was able to take home this sweet little girl on Sunday. They made it very easy for me to get to know her a little bit before making my decision. Our first night together was a good one and today’s been wonderful. Havana enjoys being outside and I work from home so that’s a win-win for both of us.
We recently adopted a sweet dog from FOCCAS. We have enjoyed our experience with this organization. As an avid animal lover, I can tell this organization truly cares about their animals and their well being. FOCCAS has checked in and made sure our sweet girl has had adequate care and is adjusting well to her new home. I am so thankful we choose to adopt, our dog has brought so much joy into our lives. I would highly recommend FOCCAS.
We adopted Opal in late July. As soon as I saw her picture I knew this little calico was meant to be ours. Our little traveler came to CT via Rescue Riders and as soon as we picked her up she started purring and cuddled right up. We had a seamless transition into our home and a rapid acceptance of Opal with our other two rescues. I commend everyone involved with this nonprofit. It’s obvious too that Opal was well fostered. She is “talkative” and very social!
We adopted Edi (Aspen) in March. The people at Foccas were super helpful. I loved that I got ro talk to her rescuer on the phone. Because she was a lost dog they had no info on her, but Brenda was super helpful telling me all about her personality etc. we decided to take a chance on Edi and FOCCAS helped us connect with Rescue Riders and get her brought up to PA. This rescue and the vet estimated her age to be 6 months and our vet agreed. Edi is now an amazing 10 months old who has grown so much in size and personality. She loves to meet lots of people and be silly. She also loves to go to class to learn agility and she loves learning tricks. Thanks FOCCAS for allowing us to adopt this sweet girl out of state! We love her so much. We can’t wait for her to be old enough this winter to attend her first agility trial.
We saw the picture of Finn on their website and immediately fell in love. I filled out the online application and received a call back within 15 minutes! The volunteers were so nice on the phone and over email, and responded quickly to any questions we had. They did their due diligence in reviewing our application and approved it quickly. We adopted Finn three days after submitting our application and he is an absolutely joy. These volunteers work so hard to rescue these animals!
My story is an unexpected one. I live in Michigan and was visiting my parents. It was Wednesday night, my daughter and I were planning on heading back home Thursday morning. My mom was looking at her messages, getting caught up and says to me "awww look at this cutie" she flips her phone and there is this beautiful Lab puppy screaming my name on Facebook. I immediately had my mom get me all the information. Her name is Lily, she is a lab, 12 weeks. I have my mom email to see if Lily is still available, I then fill out the application. Within minutes of receiving my application they texted me and took Lily off the adoption site. I was on pins and needles waiting to see if we were chosen to be her furever family. The next morning it was official we were her family and I had to wait until Friday to pick her. We got an extra day and a half with my parents and a new addition to our family. The foster mom did a Phenomenal job with Lily. Lily had an 8 hour ride back to her new home and she was SO GOOD. We stopped along the way and she did her business, ate, drank and stretched. She is adjusting perfectly she has two sister puppers, already been in the pool swimming and a big fenced in yard. She sleeps great in the night in her crate, she loves taking a short morning nap in bed with me, as we get up early with her and stay very busy. Lily is a lab and mixed with German Short Haired Pointer. We ❤❤ Lily.
So glad I stumbled upon FOCCUS ....they were great and do such a wonderful service for these dogs and families that are looking to adopt! Super professional, very quickly helped me adopt the perfect dog for our family. Love this group
We found a puppy we believe was dumped at our house and were unable to keep it while we looked for the owner due to the 4 other dogs we have. I contacted FOCCAS and they jumped right in to help. They were so kind, caring and willing to help. We felt so much better knowing that this little puppy would have a decent chance at a wonderful life. Kuddos to this group and I hope you can continue to help these precious animals here in Cumberland County!
From the minute we decided on a dog, until he arrived home to RI, there was constant support. Text, emails and phone calls. I had questions for the foster that were answered. We felt completely confident we made the right choice using FOCCAS. Pepe arrived by transport well cared for. Outstanding experience! Thank you very much for allowing us to adopt a such great pup! PePe (Ruben) , Jen and Mark Lade ♥️
We visited FOCCAS today to meet a couple pups with our current dog. It’s amazing that this is run by volunteers! Our experience was lovely and easy from start to finish! Although we didn’t end up adopting, because it wasn’t the right fit for our current dog, the people and community were inspiring!
We drove several hours to adopt from this animal rescue group. I was a bit nervous; however, the process of adopting was a great experience. On March 27, 2020, we drove home with our new family member, and she has brought us so much joy and many wonderful hours of companionship. This group of people are wonderful to assist in the adoption process, and they have hearts of gold! In addition to their concern for animals, they are also quite knowledgeable. We continue to stay in contact with Jinger, Tasia's foster mom. She is a sweetheart! We are most thankful to Focus on Cumberland County Animal Safety for all they do to save lives.
As a former dog trainer, animal shelter employee, and current lover of all animals I am happy to have another “happy tail” to tell. Our experience with FOCCAS has been wonderful. We recently added the world’s best doggo to our family and they did such a wonderful job making sure he matched with our family. This is a wonderful organization with incredible volunteers that went above and beyond by driving our new addition almost two hours each way to meet us and ensure Sushi would be a perfect fit. I’m so thankful they are doing such wonderful things for animals in need. They were so thorough in vetting us and our current pets before moving forward with the meet and greet which is exactly what is necessary for animals to find the best forever home. They were also honest about everything which I especially appreciate because that prevented a lot of “unknowns” I’ve seen happen with other rescue groups.
FOCUS on Cumberland County Animal Safety, was a great experience! We adopted Dixie and we are so excited for her to be apart of our family. FOCUS exceeded my expectations. Everyone was so kind and ready to answer any and every question. Best non profit organization ever!
I was looking for a new rescue pup. They sent a few photos of a couple of dogs before they were posted. They responded well to all of my questions. He is a dream fur baby.
FOCCAS has brought awareness to our town of how badly we needed help with abused & overpopulation of animals. They have far exceeded the job of the local animal shelter & continue to do so with volunteers continuing to help so many of our furry friends. They build fences instead of chains, microchip for low cost and more.
I adopted a kitten, already spayed and vaccinated. Just as shown in photo. She came with clear instructions/advice. And I was able to speak via phone w/her foster mother. The communication of her transport was excellent. I will adopt again from this great place\u2763\uFE0F
Jan of Foccas is one of the greatest humans on earth, she never says No to anyone , she always makes away to rescue any day or night! Her love for the animals she rescues is beyond measure
No matter the time of day or dark of night the volunteers at FOCCAS are always and I mean always taking care of the animals of Cumberland County. Their endless hours doing transports, offering low cost spay/neuter clinics.
This organization has done the impossible for our small county with their giving hearts. Please give them something for all the things they do and expect nothing in return.
Amazing people that have dedicated their lives to the health and welfare of all animals. Members and volunteers have put in countless hours of hard work in educating the community and promoting and advocating the importance of spay and neutering, adoption, and proper care for all pets and strays.
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This is an amazing group of people. So dedicated and strong hearted. FOCCAS has strived to educate the community on animal welfare and is determined to make a change. The main focus was a new shelter but great things will come from this organization, they will be breaking chains and paving the way for animal advocates all around.
A group of people that know no bounds when it comes to the welfare and benefit of pets in our county that need assistance . Building fences , providing shelter , fostering , medical veterinary attention are all part of a normal day for FOCCAS . Just angels with human bodies for the pets that need it is what FOCCAS is all about !
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An absolutely unending ball of energy in one group when it comes to aiding our community shelter, the pets that have needs from the shelter, volunteer hours, educating our public in our county, participating to make our area a more compassionate and informed area that can make the lives of pets and people better pet owners. Change is on the horizon. A model for other communities in bringing about change when it comes to pets!
The most caring, compassionate group I have ever seen! They go above and beyond to provide health and good homes for the abandoned, abused animals. As a group, they worked unbelievably hard to raise enough money to build and furnish a new beautiful intake facility for the county shelter. They have donated this to the county. Animals before had no heat or air which is inhumane. FOCCAS is amazing!
A5+ star rating
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What an amazing group! They work tirelessly for the betterment of all less fortunate animals. Every cent raised goes for their care.
I support them in every way! can they are making a change to how animals in our community are cared 4 breaking chains and giving some freedom to chained up pups. always there to help any animal in need looking forward to helping a little more bless them 4 the work they do
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Foccas is an amazing Non-Profit in Crossville, Tn. I have known Jan & Mark Hendrixson for many years from volunteering at the Bread Of Life Mission Medical Clinic. I have never volunteered with such a kind and giving group of people. They try to get to abused and neglected dogs that are tied or chained to trees with no water & food or shelter and work with the owners to get them in a better situation. Through donations and fund raising, Foccas is putting the finishing touches on a new intake building for the Cumberland County Animal Shelter. Dogs will not have to stay out in the elements anymore and the building will have air and heat. They have food and litter drives to help the shelter when they need food. They find homes for dumped animals. They are trying so hard to change the laws in Cumberland County to punish animal cruelty and abusers with stronger penalties than a slap on the wrist. These people are so amazing. If not for Foccas, there would be so many more animals homeless and sick. Whenever there is a hurt animal and the owner can not be located, Foccas gets the animal to the vet and more times than not, ends up picking up the costs, finding a foster and eventually finding a loving home for the dog or cat. They also work with the schools on educating young children on how to care for a pet and not mistreat them. They have helped people build a fenced in area for their dog vs. being chained to a tree. That is not a life for a dog. I have volunteered for many different organizations but Foccas, by far, is the best one. I feel very blessed to be able to help them and get to know all those involved.
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I joined this group in 2016 as a non-active member because of health issues with my husband. I volunteered with the Hendrixson's at the clinic at Bread Of Life for 5 years. I had to leave and lost contact. When I found out that they were now involved in FOCCAS, I had to get in touch and see what i could do to help. I have never met a large group of such caring people for our furry friends. FOCCAS is the voice for those furry friends that have no voice. They are all so hard working and will never give up. When there is a need to go get an animal running some where alone, a call goes out and someone is there and rescuing the dog or cat. They work with owners who can not care for their animals anymore. They have done so much for the Cumberland County Animal Shelter. When there is a need for supplies, members go out and get them and deliver to the shelter. it is amazing. I am so proud to be a member and hope some day I can take a more active role.. Cumberland County is so blessed to have a group like this and I hope more people will join and help in the future.
This group of dedicated people has changed the entire culture of how animals are treated in Cumberland County. They have raised funds, and built a wonderful, new shelter for dogs and cats. Before this group, the dogs had to be outside under all kinds of conditions. The weren't sheltered from cold or heat. They built much of this with their own hands. They do outreach by going out during cold weather, carrying dog houses, straw, food, etc., and pleading with irresponsible owners to let them help dogs, who are chained up in the elements. I have so much respect and admiration for the people, who have made this shelter possible!
We adopted Comet 2.5 months ago from this amazing organization! Jan, his foster mom at the time, was a dream to talk to and the entire process was easy and seamless. Now we have the friendliest, happiest, silliest new member of the family and we couldn’t be more thrilled!
I'm just becoming involved with FOCCAS first hand but I've been noticing their efforts for about a year. They pour their hearts and souls into helping the unwanted or stray animals of Cumberland County. They work tirelessly trying to raise awareness and donations through selling dog toys to teaming up with the local movie theater for special events. They do anything in their power to help improve the lives of the animals. Of course, the ultimate goal is to connect the animals to a loving, fur-ever home but until that happens they are the voice to advocate for the voiceless.
This county was terribly behind with animal awareness of everything. Since Focas develop it seems like an explosion of events have occurred to improve it all. Our outdated shelter now has a new building which took a lot of fund raising. Communication with local officials is active. Animal abuse is receiving more attention than before. And more people are coming forward due to awareness. I personally do not know Jan the president but I have followed this group and she and all the volunteers have done wonders to our community and I would like to say thank you on behalf of the animlas.
With Care,
Lori Stewart
You will find nothing but selfless acts of kindness from these people. They will stop at nothing to help any animal. They network tirelessly, make endless calls, finding fosters, setting up emergency funds. The list goes on. Way to go FOCCAS!
I have been involved with FOCCAS for a few years now. I have fostered, rescued dumped critters and done what I can. FOCCAS is always there to assist and make sure whatever can be done will be done. My hats off to those who can help in any way. FOCCAS is a number one Animal protection group and a huge advocate for the critters of Cumberland and surrounding counties.
This is not the shelter! They are using the shelters name for several things, including fundraising, for their own profit.
FOCCUS Doesn't even represent the Animal Shelter anymore. Their name is not "Focus on Cumberland County Animal Shelter" anymore. It has been changed to "Focus on Cumberland County Animal Safety" so any donations that people believe are being sent to the animal shelter through them, is not even going to the shelter, it's going to their rescue.
I have never seen a more dedicated and caring group. They have worked countless hours for the betterment of all animals in our community
My husband and I have been actively involved with FOCCAS from the very first community meeting to the groundbreaking of a new intake shelter facility. Throughout every success, challenge and roadblock, the vision of a compassionate responsible culture of animal welfare and shelter that reflects those values has consistently remained the driving force behind a true grassroots movement. In 3 years This group has accomplished what numerous others have struggled to the past 20 years including influence on local political races to address animal welfare as a concrete platform and public education on responsible pet ownership. They have raised over $300, 000 for the new building, initiated a feral cat program, helped distressed animals needing medical care, educated the public and officials, as well as starting a breaking the chains no tether initative. I have never experienced a more motivated focused group of folks who have accomplished so much in so little time .
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In just one year this amazing group of dedicated animal advocates have brought awareness to the current shelter, advocated for a new shelter, combined efforts and support of other nonprofits as well as businesses to truly make a difference in the lives of shelter animals. From inking donations of food and supplies to emergency medical funds that have saved the lives of numerous sweet creatures that would have otherwise suffered or been euthanized. They are transparent about the organization and funds. You defiantly know how your donations are used. Great job foccas.....thank you for making a difference.
I represent a local low-cost spay/neuter organization that has worked with FOCCAS since their beginning. Some of our members were helpful early-on with FOCCAS' organizational and publicity needs. Our group's focus is to reduce the number of unwanted animals in our area, and thereby reduce the local shelter intake. In that sense, both organizations work together. FOCCAS has been successful in fund-raising for improved shelter facilities way beyond our expectations. They have engaged citizens who were raised in this area and who have local contacts in churches, businesses and other non-profits. FOCCAS has clearly raised the awareness of animal welfare needs in our community, and have not been hiding behind the scenes in these efforts. They truly speak for the animals in the shelter who really have no other voice. FOCCAS is a very active and effective organization in our community.
I have been volunteering with this group for a little over a year now, and I just love it! This is what I was hoping to find when we moved to Tennessee. A group dedicated to, and advocating for, the well-being of animals. FOCCAS has been tirelessly working to build a new intake facility for Crossville and Cumberland County. This group speaks up and steps up on a daily basis. There are fundraising events every month to support a variety of programs such as education in schools, helping provide fencing to break the chains on tethered animals, distressed animal funding, spaying & neutering, etc. There are endless opportunities to volunteer with this group and make a difference in this community and the treatment of animals.
I have watched this group tirelessly work to improve the lives of animals in our community. FOCCAS volunteers put in countless hours and are making a huge difference in our community.
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I have never met or worked with such a dedicated, compassionate, committed group spearheaded by amazing and very hard working individuals. These people put in a lot of time, effort going above and beyond anything I have seen trying to make a difference in our community!
A few years ago, most of our citizens didn't even know we had a shelter in our county. It was run down, crumbling, and overlooked by the bureaucrats. One husband and wife team spearheaded a campaign to light a fire under our politicians and our community. Now our new shelter is nearing completion. But FOCCAS knew that one building was not enough to meet the needs of the animals in our community. They've worked tirelessly to raise the funds to erect and outfit a second building- an intake and quarantine center. Even when they seemed to hit roadblocks at every turn, they persevered and made this dream a reality. But they knew the shelter just wasn't enough. They've supplied food, medicine, litter to the shelter. Provided books to help children understand pets and the care they need. They've promoted better animal welfare laws and anti-tethering laws. Assisted with animal medical emergencies, promoted fostering, and now they're building fences to get dogs off of tie-outs and into fenced yards. Our community has been abundantly blessed to have FOCCAS and the animals are more blessed than the people. And it all started with one tiny idea, between a husband and a wife. They've inspired countless people to get involved, including me. God bless FOCCAS for changing the lives of animals, 1 tail at a time.
FOCCAS has now done what no other group has successfully completed. A new Intake Center for CCAS is well on it's way to being build. I am proud to be a member sense the beginning. This group is dedicated to it's mission with new member coming on board and new programs coming to life. We as a community truly are the voice for the voiceless. Thank You Cumberland county ins for your belief in this group as well as all the support you have all shown. The future for animal rights in this county is shining brightly.
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I have been with this group from the beginning and have never seen a more dedicated group work so hard for the voiceless in this community. With all of the roadblocks endured We are still here and will continue to be here. No one in this group gets a paycheck it all go for the care of the homeless animals of this county. I think that is the best part of it, Our hearts are in it 100% and for no other reason the to be the voices of those who don't have one.
I have been here in Crossville , TN for 3years and when I came I was surprised to see what kind of shelter they had, it is truly heartbreaking, but come to find out this shelter wasn't all that old but the ladies that run it and care for the animals were so very loving and caring and they were doing the best with what they were given .. so I looked around for info to help .... well I ran into the FOCCAS group and I joined up because I have never witnessed such a small town and the people in it( that LOVE and CARE) endeavor such a task ..... to raise enough money to actually build a wonderful shelter for the animals that come into it .... and believe me they are not holding back for any of the comforts that these four-legged babies need now, they will have proper heat and proper bedding and storage for food and even our kitties will receive the best climbers ..... I SUPPORT FOCCAS with all my heart . we have a ways to go but it will get done . Not only do they raise money but they all help any body that needs it with a found animal .
This group has done so much for animals on Cumberland County. So many of the volunteers put in countless hours on fundraisers, helping the shelter, going to political meetings, and fighting for animals in our county.
This is a great group of people who are advocating to change how animals are treated in their community and are working to improve the quality of life of the local shelter animals and animals within the community. Have worked with this group and it has been a pleasure and look forward to doing more great work with them in the future.
Great people for a great cause, never seen people more passionate about wanting better animal welfare for all animals.
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FOCCAS is very dedicated and passionate about helping animals in Cumberland County ! They've raised over $330,000 to build a much needed shelter there and they recently began construction ! They also do an excellent job of working to Prioritize Animal Welfare and FOCCAS member JC Hancock is working with FOCCAS members to make that happen by including animal welfare in public school lessons county wide, with a future goal of making animal welfare part of public school lessons nationwide. Words cannot express how much I love FOCCAS !
The volunteers and leadership of this nonprofit are the driving force for making life better for so many homeless animals. From providing endless food and supplies to the shelter, to building a $350,000 new intake building, providing fences to get dogs of tethered lines, to leading the cause to get animals fostered or vet bills paid when no one else steps up to help. They're a fun yet determined group making big changes for the better for animals in Cumberland County. It's been an honor to be able to help them out when my schedule allows. They appreciate and welcome all help and helpers and are doing an amazing job of educating the public.
This organization is totally amazing in what has been accomplished in a little over 18 months. They have made more people in this county aware there is a shelter, how to find the shelter and in turn adoptions have increased. Sadly the good old boys refuse to build a new shelter in a more visible location, preferring to keep it isolated and remote. BUT, the group will continue to work towards their goals of helping the animals and shelter needs. Roadblocks are just a bump in the road
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This group will succeed where others have failed. Why? The members are young,locals, and are dedicated to their cause. They are not "outsiders" trying to tell the locals how things are done in other places I.e., up north. It is a grassroots movement with passion in their hearts. They truly care about the shelter, both animals and staff, wanting what is best for them. FOCCAS will be around a very long time
I have seen the hard work and success this group has done in a very short time. They are dedicated to helping every animal that they can and failure is not a option. It is hard work physically and emotionally on them. They can use in amount donation or time a person has to offer and is always appreciated. Thank you Focus for all your hard work and may God be with you in everything you do.
Very good well meaning group of people. They're trying so hard to change the lives of the homeless animals of Cumberland county. Even though their being met with a lot of resistance from the current people in charge of the shelter they refuse to stop fighting.
I grew up in this area and this group has stayed strong through adversity and the "good old boy" syndrome. They continue fighting even when the odds look bad. I believe they will successful in building a new animal shelter and overcoming the outdated culture of Cumberland County that animals are property.
The organizers and volunteers of FOCCAS are the most tireless and passionate people I have ever met. The county commissioners of Cumberland County have a very backwards mentality and feel the current location of the animal shelter is "good enough." The shelter is at a landfill which was shut down by the EPA years ago as it is unknown what was being dumped at this site. The county does want to build a new shelter, but the animals will still be in outdoor runs with no reprieve from the heat or the freezing winter temperatures.
Please help FOCCAS built a bigger and better shelter with indoor/outdoor kennels in a more visible location.
This group of local volunteers deserve more than 5 stars!
I have worked with a lot of groups in my life. I have never seen a group that had their act together like we do. I have only been with them a short period of time but already see the dedication that goes on...FOCCAS is truly an amazing group we will soon be launching our JR FOCCAS program, it will include children under 18. We will educate on animals, care, spay and neuter info and much mucheaper more. We are very excited to soon launch our capital campaign to raise money to build a new shelter. If you can donate please please do. It all adds up, and our county/city needs this so bad.
I have never seen a more determined group of people. They go above and beyond for the animals in need
A wonderful, compassionate group of dedicated volunteers who give their all to save our dogs and cats with time and money.
This group started with a few people and within a year has developed a 900+ following on facebook, a professional website, a newsletter and great relationships with local rescue groups. Many have failed where this group has succeeded. I see great things in their future.
This a wonderful non-profit that defines what a rescue group is, and does. There is a saying "We are their voice! " Well I can only say that i am proud that the animals in this county have FOCCAS as their voice....... You guys are amazing and never cease to amaze me with your generosity and love for the animals. I am full of optimism in the future due to all of your hard work; amazing just amazing.....
I have never witnessed in my 56 years a more dedicated organization : Cumberland County is still a rural thinking county, and FOCCAS has really began to improve the way our residence think about spay and neutering for future control and welfare of our animals: The Volunteers are relentless in their efforts to make our community a better place for animals
This is a wonderful group of animal loving people, who are determined to make the lives of animals arriving at our shelter, much more comfortable .They really were horrible before, but now because if FOCCAS the animals coming there, have a much better chance of surviving and finding safe , loving homes. I praise God for them every day .
I'be been working with this group and The people in this organization all have a great heart for our furry friends. We are all all about helping better the lives of the little ones that have no one to speak for them. We are their voice a d the FOCCAS group is speaking loudly for them.