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!
Michael Bailiff, Chairman of Board of Directors
Michael Bailiff. Chairman of the Board. Born and raised in Chattanooga he now resides in Marion County after many years living in Atlanta, West Palm Beach, and the Nashville area. He and his husband Terry raised Jack Russell Terriers for many years as well as adopted and fostered many many dogs and puppies. As a volunteer for Marion Animal Resource Connection, he has engaged with the Marion County commissioners and Mayor to help get this much needed service started for the community known as Marion County. His experience in non-profit, volunteerism and fundraising is key to getting this organization off of the ground. All animals need protection and deserve a place to show themselves to the public.
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.
Michelle Johnson, Board Member
More info coming soon.
Steve Powers, 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
