ABANDONED ANIMALS may not understand human language, but the heart of their guardian, Diane Forbes, is no secret to them. Tireless in her efforts to protect them, Forbes’ life is one of service to area dogs, cats, horses, and a few unusual animals that have crossed her path.
The oldest of seven children, Forbes moved to Tennessee from Oklahoma when her father was stationed at the Smyrna Air Force Base. When her husband, Jim, took a job with Dixie Grain Hatchery, she moved to Shelbyville.
Employed as assistant superintendent and office manager of the Bedford County Highway Department and as coordinator of Solid Waste, Forbes’ experience in recycling began at Rock-Tenn, Shelbyville’s recycling facility. She was Rock-Tenn’s general manager for the last six years of her 29-year career there, preparing her for the positions she currently holds.
Forbes’ daughters, Kristy and Ashley, were active in the 4-H wrangler horse group where they showed and judged horses. Forbes was asked to be the first volunteer leader for the group and served from 1980 to 1992. During this time, she and Betty Renegar went with the 4-H members to many fun, educational outings and competitions from Tennessee to Hershey, Pennsylvania.
“I believe these experiences helped kids make decisions and choices later in life. Many are now lawyers, vets, medical field personnel, accountants, and in law enforcement. I’m truly proud of each and every one of them.” she said.
Her work with the Shelbyville Bedford County Humane Association (SBCHA) began more than 32 years ago when the association sponsored Christmas Village at the old armory. She presently serves as secretary and has been past president and vice president.
Forbes has spent much of her life around animals. “My family has always had dogs, cats, and horses. I especially love dogs–there’s just something so special about them,” she said.
Forbes conducts animal welfare checks, although not as often since the establishment of the Bedford County Animal Control. She has also helped with local animal cruelty and hoarding cases in the community.
She is actively involved in SBCHA’s annual Fall Lights Wine Tasting and Silent Auction. The event is a main source of revenue for the association which does not receive any county, city, or state funds. Like everything, the pandemic prevented the fundraiser in 2020. The 2021 event held last November was their most successful to date, thanks to the association’s faithful friends, vendors, and restaurants.
An advocate for spaying and neutering, Forbes is vice president of the Middle Tennessee Spay and Neuter Clinic which operates under the direction of Kimberly Warren. “Before our low-cost clinic was started, there were litters of puppies and unwanted dogs everywhere. Bedford County is very fortunate now to have several facilities to help with animal welfare,” Forbes stated.
Forbes won the 2020 Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Leadership Award. The winner is inspired by others in our community who share the passion for making a difference in the lives of animals.
“We need to make a difference for the animals who cannot speak for themselves,” she said. -GN
