Why Bo's Buddies?
Who doesn’t know who Bo is? We’ve all had that one loyal friend — the one we could always count on, confide in, and who stuck by us through thick and thin. That “Bo” in our lives represents trust, companionship, and unconditional love. Even our officers and board members can tell you about a time when they had a best friend they called Bo — as their faithful four-legged companion.
The name Bo holds deeper meaning, too. In some origins, Bo means “to live” or “beautiful outlook.” That’s exactly what we hope to give the animals we protect — a second chance at life and a future filled with love, security, and hope. Bo’s Buddies is more than just a name; it’s a promise to be the unwavering friend that every animal deserves.
Donations may also be mailed to:
Animal Protective Services of Marion, Inc.
P.O. Box 356
Sequatchie, TN, 37374
Michelle Story, President/Founder
Michelle is a Nurse Practitioner who moved to Marion County, TN, in 2015. Her love for nature, the outdoors, and the friendly community brought her to the area. She has worked in local emergency departments and pediatric clinics and now operates a medical spa in Jasper.
In early 2021, Michelle adopted her pup, Hazel, from Marion Animal Resource Connection. Later that year, a tragic event occurred— a beloved family dog was shot and killed. She couldn’t help but imagine how she would have felt if it had been her own dog. Determined to turn tragedy into action, she sought a way to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Through conversations with local government, law enforcement, longtime residents, and privately funded rescue organizations, Michelle identified a major issue: Marion County lacked proper animal protective services. While the problem was clear, the solution was more complex. However, she knew a path forward existed.
A non-profit alone cannot solve this issue without local government support. Likewise, the local government cannot implement solutions without community involvement and contributions. Michelle has worked hard to build positive, trusting relationships within Marion County. Her goal is to equip the community with the resources needed to provide animal protective services, ensuring public safety and the humane treatment of animals and livestock.
Pressley Dawson, Treasurer/Secretary/Board Member
A Marion County native, Pressley Dawson is an attorney in Jasper after getting both her Bachelor’s and Law degrees from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. During law school, Pressley had the opportunity to study Animal Law and work alongside various animal welfare organizations.
Outside of work, Pressley enjoys spending time with her husband, Taylor, and their rescue dog, Ollie, and cat, Seth.
Pressley is excited to see this long-time dream become a reality in Marion County!
Patty Henry, Chairman of the Board
Patty has been a devoted member of the Marion County community since making it her home in 2012. A lifelong animal lover and a compassionate entrepreneur, she brings a heart for service everywhere she goes. Her instinct to step in, support, and uplift both people and animals has been a constant throughout her life.
As a widow, Patty has shown remarkable strength, grace, and resilience. She channels that same quiet determination into her community work and her passion for animal welfare, reminding us all of the power of compassion and purpose.
With more than 35 years of business experience, Patty offers invaluable leadership to Bo’s Buddies in her role as Chairman of the Board. Her vision for community involvement, thoughtful fundraising, and sustainable growth will help guide our mission forward. She is deeply committed to ensuring that Marion County has the resources, facilities, and support needed to protect animals and strengthen public safety for years to come.
Patty is also a proud Whitwell resident, where she shares her home with her two beloved cats, Joe and Janis, four cherished horses, and her 90,000 chickens—a lighthearted reminder of her hard work and the vibrant farm life she loves.
Patty’s compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable part of Bo’s Buddies, and we are truly grateful for the heart she pours into our mission.
Kimerlen Moore, Board Member
Kimerlen Spake Moore is a dedicated animal advocate and educator, currently serving as the Visual Arts teacher at Whitwell Elementary School. She grew up in Jasper and attended Richard Hardy Memorial and St. Andrews-Sewanee School before leaving the area to pursue higher education. Kimerlen is deeply committed to animal welfare and shares her home with a variety of rescued animals, including two dogs from Marion Animal Resource Connection, two indoor cats from the Pet Placement Center in Chattanooga, two semi-feral cats, and a goldfish adopted from the Cornbread Festival Carnival.
Outside of her teaching role, Kimerlen resides in Jasper with her husband, Thomas Spake, a talented glass blower, and their daughter, Lyrah, a rising sophomore at MCHS. With a strong personal and professional background rooted in compassion and creativity, Kimerlen is committed to the well-being of animals in Marion County and is excited to contribute to the mission of Bo’s Buddies as a board member.
Who is my Bo? My Bo was a little brindle puppy who followed my husband and me around while we “looked” for a dog at the old dog shelter off Airport Rd. My mother was with us and pointing to the puppy, said “That dog has already picked you two”. That was it, we scooped her up and took her home. She was with us for 15 years. She was a faithful companion and taught my husband and me how to open our hearts to a bigger idea of love and family.
Debbie Crook, Board Member
Debbie Crook is a lifelong animal lover whose heart has always been guided by compassion. After retiring from a successful career in healthcare IT, she and her husband, Kevin, moved from Franklin, TN, to the peaceful beauty of Marion County. For the past several years, Debbie has devoted herself to breeding golden retrievers and has gained deep insight into the care and devotion that every dog deserves.
Witnessing dogs kept in outdoor cages year-round and even seeing a neighbor mistreat his dog ignited something powerful in her. Debbie felt called to redirect her passion toward advocacy, joining Bo’s Buddies to help create true animal protective services for Marion County. Her commitment is driven by a belief that every animal deserves safety, dignity, and a loving environment.
When she’s not volunteering, Debbie enjoys a full and joyful life with Kevin, their three treasured dogs, and their two spirited cats. Together, they love traveling, hiking, exploring nature, and ending each day with mountain sunsets from their bluff view. Debbie and Kevin are deeply excited to support Bo’s Buddies and to help bring meaningful, lasting change for animals across Marion County.
Steve Powers, DVM Board Member
More info coming soon.
Anna Ramsey, DVM Board Member
More info coming soon
Animal Protective Services of Marion, Inc.
dba Bo's Buddies
Location To Be Determined
Email: info@bosbuddies.org
Animal Protective Services of Marion, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization. Your donations are tax deductible within the guidelines of United States law. DLN 26053753001294
