In the 1980’s, Susan DeMay received a Master’s degree from Tennessee Tech through the Appalachian Center for Craft in Smithville; and then set up a pottery studio in the town. She has run a successful business since then and supported a family (with pets) through that enterprise.
When her daughter moved to Atlanta in 2009, Susan took an interest in animal welfare in her neighborhood and joined animal organizations such as “Freckles Friends.” Since then she has rescued several dogs, re-homed many others, sought care for distressed animals, and worked on overpopulated cat colonies.
She joined the Dekalb Animal Coalition in 2023 and has participated in its many decisions and fundraisers. She organized the board’s first “Waggin’ N Wash” which was successful and will become an annual event.
Jackie is one of our newest board members. She is a native of DeKalb County and is a graduate of DeKalb County High School. She also attended Motlow Community College. Jackie has worked in the medical field, and her most recent endeavor was owner and operator of several recovery homes. All her life she has had a heart for animals and brings this passion to our board.
Sue serves as the board’s secretary. She was born and reared in DeKalb County, Tennessee, where she has always resided. She is a graduate of DeKalb County High School, University of Tennessee, and Nashville School of Law. Sue was the first female attorney in DeKalb County, where she practiced for 36 years before retiring. Before attending law school, she had been secretary to six of the attorneys in Smithville. She has been active in many community projects over the years, served on the School Board, and has a love and passion for animals, especially English Bulldogs.
Crede A. Colgan, a dedicated member of the DeKalb community since the early 1980s and a full-time resident since 2016, has been an integral part of the DeKalb Animal Coalition (DAC) since 2015. His initial involvement with the DAC was sparked by a heartfelt donation in memory of his late father, George Colgan, which marked the beginning of his and his wife Carina's active participation in the shelter. Together, they have contributed significantly to the welfare of discarded animals in DeKalb County, demonstrating a profound commitment to animal welfare. The couple's dedication to the DAC highlights their compassion and the positive impact they've made on the community and its four-legged residents.
Renee Ferguson, a passionate advocate for animal welfare, has been a cornerstone of the Board since its establishment in 2014. As the proprietor of Happy Tails Grooming and Boarding, Renee's lifelong bond with her dogs, cats, and horses has fueled her dedication to serving on both the board and the shelter. This deep connection with animals drives her and her team's mission to support their four-legged friends and the wider community. Renee's commitment to animal welfare and her desire to make a difference in the lives of pets and their owners underscore her valuable contribution to the organization and its goals.
My name is Denise Brown and I became a member of the Coalition board in 2018. A native of Smithville, I am a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and retired from DTC in 2014.
Animals have always been a part of my life and I’m committed to ensuring all are taken care. My husband Jerry and I enjoy sharing our home with Buster, a “young” 14 year old schnauzer we adopted from DeKalb Animal Shelter in 2023. Please remember to a “adopt don’t shop”!
