Written by Addison Middleton

While breathing in the crisp air of the outdoors, Emily Pinson makes sure to grab her climbing shoes, hand chalk and crash pads before she and Suki, her loyal climbing partner, head out into the woods together. Pinson swings her bags over her shoulder, and tosses her companion up in the air to sit perched atop of the supplies because although Suki is an avid adventurer, she is also a cat. 

Pinson’s love for the outdoors and the activity of bouldering began years ago. This subset of rock climbing has allowed her to build a community through the shared love of the sport. She began her climbing career in highschool at indoor climbing gyms, and decided to venture further by starting to climb at outside destinations a little over a year ago. 

When she decided to adopt Suki through the Humane Educational Society in Hamilton County around 9 months ago, she had already been envisioning a life of exploring for the pair’s future. Suki was adopted at 2 months old where the outdoor adventures together began almost immediately. The idea to adopt a cat was always a thought in Pinson’s mind. While unconventional to others, the unique dream to bring her new found friend with her on these bouldering trips was on the agenda all along.  

“When I first started climbing, I knew these people in Birmingham and knew that they had a cat that they would take out climbing with them so I knew whenever I got a cat I would want to do the same thing,” Pinson said. 

While the idea to immerse Suki into outdoor environments was planned, what wasn’t expected was the discovery that the furry friend had the feline instincts to climb, explore and gain a liking for the outdoors. Pinson explains that while at first Suki was hesitant, as time went on she began to see the cat’s change in attitude and how she began to look forward to the shared time together. 

“I think she likes it now. Whenever I get her harness out and get my bag she always runs to it because I think that she knows she’s going to get to go outside.” Pinson said. She also explains the process of learning Suki’s talents all on her own saying “I think she saw me [climbing on the rocks] and so she was like ‘okay I’m going to go up there too’. I never really trained her to go on top of the boulders with me; she kind of just did it herself.”

After bringing Suki along to boulder, Pinson realized she was not the only one benefitting from the animal companionship. The unique pairing has brought attention from friends, other climbers and strangers passing by. The paired expeditions have become a beloved part of the duo’s time together and through each trip brings new memories for the both of them and onlookers alike. 

“Every single time I go out people stop me and are like ‘oh my God is that a cat?’ especially when she’s on top of my crash pad. Everybody loves it.” Pinson also explains how herself along with Suki enjoys the surprised and excited reaction from others witnessing the pair. “I do really enjoy taking her out with me and having her interact with other people, it’s always been really great.”

The pair’s expeditions are only just beginning. The shared love for the great outdoors and each other’s company seems to have no plan of slowing down. Through each exploration Pinson and Suki continue to reach new heights together both on the rocks and in their friendship.

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Humane Helpers

Written by Maya Spratley

The soft hum of purring meets the sounds of barking as individuals enter the Humane Educational Society. Residing in Hamilton County is an animal safe haven. 

Founded in 1910, the Human Educational Society’s mission is to treat and adopt out as many animals as they can. The Society takes pride in finding the animals a loving environment and successful placement in a new home. According to Carley Wilkerson, who formerly worked within the kennels and now is the social media marketing coordinator, the organization has been successful in staying to the mission statement. 

“ Last year there were roughly around 3,167 intakes,” Wilkerson explained. “ There were 2,972 adoptions and returns of lost animals. We also were able to transfer our animals to other shelters.” 

The Human Education Society, aka HES,  is a no kill shelter. To help with overcrowding the shelter has partnered with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to send animals to other no kill shelters. In doing so they have been able to send out of 800 animals.

One of the major services of The HES is animal adoption. According to Wilkerson, the process is simple. Due to this, over 2,197 adoptions took place last year, making the centers successful adoption rate 90% with a 10% return rate. 

The animals that are up for adoption are updated online in real time. Individuals must fill out a form that gets reviewed by an adoption counselor. If an individual would not like to fill out the form online they can do so in house. After the approval, the individual can pay a fee and take their new companion home. 

When discussing adopting an animal, Wilkerson explained the importance of understanding what adoption looks like.

“ It is important to listen to the adoption services advice. They know your animal and want to set you up to have the best experience with them,” Wilkerson stated. “ Be ready for the commitment that comes with the lifetime of that animal. But it is worth it.” 

This easy process of adoption through the HES is what led Emily Pinson to adopt her spunky tabby, Suki.

Along with adoption, The Human Education Society has a program dedicated to trap, neuter, and release. The program has come about due to the increase in cats that are unowned and live outdoors. 

These cats, also known as community cats, have become an issue in Chattanooga. To fix this issue the Society takes in community cats and vaccinates and spays them. If the animal is able to be adopted out, the shelter will do so. If not they will release the animal back into the community.

“ This is a humane way to contain the population and maintain numbers,” Wilkerson stated.  

The Humane Educational Society has been able to give animals like Suki a chance to have a loving environment and a place to call home. For over 100 years the organization has shown kindness to animals that might not have been deemed worthy of a second glance. 

^{Emily Pinson is a Sophomore at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga who uses her evenings and weekends to go bouldering with friends. When she found that cats are able to be avid climbers as herself she adopted her climbing companion Suki from the Humane. Educational Society of Chattanooga. The Rising Rock team observed Emily and Suki climbing and hiking at St Elmo Boulders at Old Wauhatchie Park in St Elmo Tennessee.}

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