Each year thousands of animals are abused, neglected, starved or abandoned. On this week's Pay it Forward we help a Bradley County woman recognize a man who has devoted his life to improving the lives of animals. We head to Cleveland for this week's 'Pay if Forward'. That's where we meet a man and his family who are making a real difference in the lives of animals. "I'm Jennifer King and I'm a volunteer at the SPCA and we are going to Pay it Forward to Derrick Wagner and his family and cousin, Roy Mccalister, for all the work they've done here. They have come here every single day, without pay, completely on a volunteer basis. I'm talking 8 a.m. (until) 8 p.m. sometimes." Jennifer adds, "We had about three aggressive dogs here that really couldn't be deemed adoptable and after them being here and working so hard these dogs, those dogs can be approached by kids, by men, by families, which gives them a much higher chance to get adopted." I ask Jennifer what Derrick and his family are up to at the shelter. Jennifer says, "They're here, and my guess is, first thing in the morning they start cleaning out kennels. They get the dogs out, walk them, they play with them and they get the kennels good and clean for the start of the day." We count out our cash and find the Wagners outside. A family member is walking Lucky the dog. Lucky was used as 'bait' in a dog fighting ring and he has the scars to prove it. Derrick walks over and Jennifer says to him and his family, "On behalf of McMahan Law Firm and NewsChannel 9 I want to 'Pay it Forward' to you guys." She counts out $500 and says, "This is for all the work that you, Roy, and your entire family do here at the SPCA." A very surprised Derrick replies, "You're very welcome. We enjoy it." The dogs begin to bark loudly. They seem to sense the excitement. Derrick tells me, "About two months ago we came and adopted a dog here, Egypt. Ever since then we just felt like we needed to volunteer here and help the animals." When I ask Derrick why he devotes himself to these once neglected, abused or abandoned dogs, his answer is simple. "They really deserve a loving home like any other animal does." Seeing an animal like Lucky who had an unlucky start to life hopefully find a loving home - that's what keeps Derrick and his family returning to the Bradley County SPCA every day. Derrick smiles and says, "It means the world to me. I mean, it's saving a life. These animals, some of them have been here for quite awhile and just to see one adopted is the greatest thing." If you'd like to learn more about adopting an animal from the Bradley County SPCA CLICK HERE.

• published: 04 Aug 2014
• views: 2