The Joe Black Effort, a “no kill” animal rescue group is holding a membership drive during the month of May.
“We are the only ‘no kill’ rescue in DeKalb County,” the organization said in a recent press release. “By “no kill”, we mean that we do everything we possibly can to help the stray, abandoned, abused or neglected animals that are trying to survive on their own.
“Occasionally there is an animal that may be too sick to save. At those times, after all options are exhausted we must have them humanely euthanized out of kindness and caring so they won’t suffer.”
Joe Black currently operates from a small office at 458 West Broad Street.
They house animals with foster families until they can be adopted out to people who will love them and care for them.
“One of the things we do when we have an animal come into our network is get them the medical care they need,” the release said. “That includes their shots, heartworm and feline tests and also have them spayed and neutered. We have many wonderful supporters who donate food, beds and toys for the animals, however, we are in need of your memberships and generous monetary donations to help pay the vet bills.
“With your help, we also plan to have a ‘no kill’ shelter built in Dekalb County, which will be manned by the volunteers of the Joe Black Effort. We need it, our members know we need it, and we are committed to making that happen.
“We are asking you to have a heart and do your part by supporting the Joe Black Effort.”
The group has several memberships to choose from.
The Regular Joe Membership is $10 a year.
Regular Joe’s receive a membership card, 10 percent off all Joe Black Effort items, such as t-shirts, bracelets, hats and decals and 10 percent off all Joe Black  events.
The Heart and Soul Membership is free to volunteers who give at least 20 hours a year to Joe Black.
Heart and Soul members are welcome to donate as well, if they wish.
These members will also get 10 percent off Joe Black Effort items and events  throughout the year.
The Hearts of Gold Membership requires a monthly donation.
The minimum donation is $10 but any amount above that will be accepted.
A Heart of Gold membership receives 50 percent off all events and merchandise.
“If we have lots of members, each helping a little bit financially and a few volunteering some time, we can continue to grow into the kind of rescue Dekalb County animal and citizens need, want and deserve,” said the release.
If you are interested in becoming a member, call 615-464-LOVE, or email  joeblackeffort@gmail.com.
Interested parties may also pick up membership applications at Dekalb Animal Hospital, Dekalb Veterinary Clinic  and Smithville Veterinary Hospital.