Dickson County Humane Society makes ‘Sani-Paws’ sanitizer, all-time high adoptions

Malissa Parker is focused on making a quality hand sanitizer to raise money for the Humane Society of Dickson County. 

By now, most people in the current coronavirus-aware lifestyle have used some funky-feeling, intense-smelling sanitizer. Parker, a Humane Society board member, said the goal was to create a product that wasn’t offensive to the senses like those cheaper versions.  

“We are making professional grade sanitizer now. There’s never a dull moment,” Parker said, laughing. 

The “Sani-Paws” hand sanitizer was produced after Parker talked to multiple chemists and began working with David Elston at his Burns-based Gourmet Foods, Inc. 

The product tagline: “Keep those puppies clean.” 

Parker said their sanitizer, which is available at the Humane Society facility as well as local businesses, “doesn’t smell like hard liquor and doesn't leave your hands wet, sticky and dried out.” 

“We have perfected the process now where we have tons and tons of gel bubbles in there,” Parker said. “The real watery stuff makes a mess. The distillery stuff smells — that’s the biggest gripe I get.” 

Parker said the process involved trial and error as well as continued discussions with chemists to get the sanitizer to feel and smell how they wanted. 

She said Elston — who she describes as a “great supporter” of the Humane Society — has provided his facility, 55-gallon mixers and a bottling machine to make the sanitizer. 

The 10-ounce sanitizer bottles sell for $15 each and you can refill the bottle for $10. And, you can bring in other bottles to refill for $1 an ounce. 

Parker said the ingredients would normally cost very little but added that “everything has gone up quadruple” this year due to sanitizer demand. 

“We have tried to make it as affordable as possible but still make a little bit of money since it’s a fundraiser for the Humane Society,” Parker said. 

She said the next bottle sizes she’s buying will be 16 ounces and 32 ounces since the people want the larger sizes.  

“Our sanitizing gel is quality, not like many of the home recipes floating around the internet,” said Parker, adding that Dickson Athletic Club is purchasing sanitizer by the gallon and Miss Amy's is purchasing it in 32 ounce bottles. 

In addition to the Humane Society, Sani-Paws is for sale at TriStar Bank, Moss & Embers, Parker Peery Properties, Dickson Apothecary and Furnace Brewing.

If anyone is interested in purchasing or carrying SaniPaws, they can call 714-393-9309.

 Adoptions exceed all-time high

The Dickson County Humane Society has reached an all-time high in adoption rates in recent months, Parker said, with the shelter seeing more than 160 adoptions in May. She said the shelter is likely to reach or exceed that number in June. 

“While many Middle Tennessee area shelters made the decision to close during the Covid Pandemic, we have been open and have exceeded all-time highs for adoptions month after month,” Parker said. 

The Dickson County Humane Society implemented an appointment-only strategy and daily took the temperatures of staff and anyone who entered the building. Everyone is required to wear a mask and use hand sanitizer. 

Parker said people have traveled from all over Middle Tennessee to adopt from the Dickson County Humane Society facility. 

“At the current rate, we could double the number of year over year adoptions,” Parker said. “Needless to say morale has never been higher at HSDC.” 

Coco’s Italian fundraising 

Parker said Elston has also helped out with the current Coco’s Italian Restaurant meal fundraiser. 

For months, the Humane Society has been selling Coco’s meals for pickup at the Humane Society facility. She said the collaboration with Coco’s, which has multiple Nashville restaurants, has been “wildly successful.”

People can preorder a choice of meals for pickup at the shelter Thursday, 4-6 p.m. 

Parker said they also stock frozen entrees that include Four Cheese Lasagna, Vegetable Lasagna, Striped Spinach and Cheese Ravioli, Baked Ziti, Fettuccini Alfredo and more. 

She hoped the popularity would inspire Coco’s owner, Chuck Cinelli, to open a restaurant in Dickson. 

Other news

Parker said the Humane Society’s spay and neuter operating suite is fully operational and they “hope to be performing 40 surgeries a week by the fall.”

Shelter veterinarian, Dr. Paul Ulrich and his wife Michelle, are training shelter staff interested in future veterinary careers so that they have the opportunity to assist in these critical surgeries, she said. 

Related:Helping more animals as funds dwindle at Humane Society of Dickson County