In 2009 Debbie Smith, fearing that one of her tenants would get bit by a stray dog, took the initiative to start a petition for something to be done about all the stray dogs running loose in the Sequatchie Valley Tn. area. After getting a petition signed, Debbie started the foundation of making a difference for the safety and care of cats and dogs. Paws and Claws is the product of this gathering of people who care.