SOMETIMES, THE seeds of a life’s calling are planted long before we recognize them. For Cheryl Rhoads, a life invested in animal welfare was written in the stars — or perhaps in the butter bowls she used to carry frogs and critters to school as a child. She enjoyed caring for animals early in life and spent numerous adventures outdoors, catching bugs, frogs, and even snakes and building elaborate habitats for them.
“I was solely responsible for my teacher canceling ‘show and tell,’” she joked. “She said she was afraid of what I was going to bring her in a butter bowl to show the class and talk about.”
Over the years, that childhood wonder became a fulfilling adventure in Rhoads’ adult life. Throughout her life, Rhoads has consistently integrated animals into her life – whether as cherished pets, through rescue work, or while running a grooming and boarding kennel. Every season of her life and each experience has increased her love for animals and their well-being.
So, when the opportunity to become an Animal Control Officer (ACO) came along in 2021, it felt like a natural next step for Rhoads. It was a chance to make a real difference in her community. As an ACO, she now advocates for the voiceless, ensuring that every animal receives the care and respect they deserve. With each day on the job, Rhoads embraces the opportunity to connect with animals and their owners personally. In her heart, she knows that every interaction is a chance to spread compassion and understanding in her community.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AT THE SHELTER
Managing an animal shelter isn’t easy, and Rhoads faces challenges that many in her position know all too well. Space is tight, and staffing is often stretched thin.
The shelter currently houses 66 dogs. But according to Rhoads, they could fill a space twice this size in the blink of an eye.
However, Rhoads and her team aren’t the ones to throw in the towel. Instead, they roll up their sleeves and get creative. To combat some of these most pressing issues, the team leans on innovation and persistence, and Rhoads and her team strive to make every square inch count.
“Dogs that can share a kennel safely are placed together. We utilize our offices, bathroom, kitchen, and any space that we can find that can safely and humanely house a dog.”
What is the secret weapon to their success? A network of big-hearted foster families who open their homes to shelter dogs, especially when the mercury drops.
When it comes to staffing, Rhoads shared that emotional and physical tolls are involved in this field of work. She said that a job in animal control often requires hands-on learning and consistency. She asserted that potential caregivers must decide whether they can bear it and if they can excel at it. She also encouraged them to remember that the dogs and the team were counting on them.
This devotion to both the animals and the team is tested daily, especially when difficult decisions must be made. These moments stay with caregivers like Rhoads long after the workday ends.
A STORY THAT STAYS WITH HER
Some stories at the shelter don’t have happy endings, but they mean a lot to caregivers like Rhoads. She shared one story that has stayed with her about a dog that arrived aggressive, mistrustful, and unadoptable.
“He had not been properly socialized. He had been trained to attack as a guard dog, and he was on guard. Chris and I each worked with this dog. Within a month, we had made real progress. I remember that I was able to go into his kennel, and we would play with his stuffed toy. He was so excited to see me, and I looked forward to working with him. I loved him.”
But his aggression remained. He lunged at volunteers, Rhoads’ co-workers, and even her family when she considered taking him home. With no safe options left, Rhoads made the painful decision for behavioral euthanasia, which she said was a moment she will never forget.
“I will never regret giving him a piece of myself. Yes, he ended up losing his life, but he went to sleep loved. He went to sleep with me, telling him that I loved him, stroking his ears, and petting his head. He went to sleep being held. He did not die alone, scared, and unloved. He was euthanized with so much love and care.”
WHAT KEEPS RHOADS GOING
Amid the challenges of shelter life, Rhoads finds her persistence and optimism restored with every neglected, timid dog that learns to wag its tail again, every fragile life that grows strong, and every once-broken spirit that rediscovers joy.
“We watch dogs come in neglected, scared, timid, and closed off, and then we get to work with them and see them turn around into dogs that enjoy spending time with humans, gain weight, get healthy, and learn to love life again,” she said.
“I absolutely love getting updates on dogs that have been in the shelter and have been adopted to loving homes. My co-workers also keep me going. We have a great working relationship at the shelter, but also throughout the city.”
Rhoads said she enjoys receiving updates from adopters and watching relationships form among the shelter team’s staff and the larger Tullahoma community.
“We work with the police, codes, finance, public works, and many other departments within the city. Everyone is always very supportive and helpful in assisting us when we need something.”
When the days get particularly heavy, the shelter itself offers comfort.
“Our shelter is clean, the dogs have larger rooms than most dogs in other shelters, we have a wonderful play yard to take them out into daily, and we aren’t struggling just to feed and medicate our dogs. At the end of the day, if all of that isn’t enough to keep me going, there’s always a dog on hand that is more than willing to provide a good cuddle to cheer me up.”
IMPROVING THE DOGS’ LIVES
Under Rhoads’ leadership, the Tullahoma Animal Shelter prioritizes health and safety and depends on the community’s support. The shelter vaccinates, alters, and microchips the dogs before adoption. Puppies undergo quarantine to prevent parvovirus. Partnerships with Hills Science Diet, Tractor Supply, local veterinarians, and others provide access to high-quality food and medicine at the best prices.
Rhoads said the staff treat every dollar of the shelter budget like it’s their own. This year, they implemented Interceptor Plus to keep dogs parasite-free and are looking into Simparica Trio to include flea prevention as well. The shelter also maintains a food pantry stocked with community donations for struggling families.
She said, “This is made possible through donations from the community and local businesses. We offer food to any community member that needs it, free of charge. We understand that people fall on hard times, and worrying about whether you are going to feed yourself or feed your pet should not be an issue.”
LEADING AT THE STATE LEVEL
Rhoads’ consistent efforts in animal advocacy have earned her the position of central region director for Animal Care & Control Association of Tennessee. Her goal is to expand support for animal control officers in the field.
“I would love to search out and provide hands-on training for officers that would help them understand dog body language as well as safe practices in the field that would help them capture and transport animals humanely.” GN
