March 2014 was the beginning of new era for pets in Troy, Alabama; that’s when Jacqueline Meeks and Tiffany Howingtown established Troy Animal Rescue Project, or TARP. TARP’s goal is to find proper homes for stray cats and dogs and have those strays spayed-and-neutered so future animal populations are under control. “(We) are dedicated to saving the lives of homeless pets in Troy, Alabama and surrounding areas,” says their Facebook page – under the “about” section. Both Howington and Meeks, along with several others, spend much of their spare time – and all of their spare change – to help homeless pets in any way they can. Meeks said TARP has yet to have to euthanize a single animal since March. This feat is surprising to some, given that they maintain approximately 70 pets between all the foster homes and have no central location. Howington estimates around 50 people are actively fostering animals for TARP. Fostering means someone has agreed to house a cat or dog until said pet gets permanently adopted or, as TARP likes to put it, when an animal finds its “fur-ever home.” However, this organization certainly relies on more than just citizens giving temporary homes to strays. Perhaps their biggest asset, other than those who give pets their “fur-ever home,” is Troy Animal Clinic – located on South Brunridge St. The clinic is always able to treat rescues in a timely manner. “TARP uses Troy Animal Clinic as our primary vet,” states their Facebook. “We could not do this without you!” Educating pet owners has been another goal of TARP’s since they were created. Unfortunately, many citizens aren’t currently aware of their existence due to the volunteer-based manner the non-profit organization functions under. Jacob Ellison, a senior music industry major from Calera, Alabama, said that he was unaware Troy had anywhere to take homeless pets. He was pleasantly surprised to find out about Mrs. Meeks and TARP. He then expressed that more students should be aware of TARP and help them out. Haley Meeks, daughter of Jacqueline Meeks, said she would welcome this, but that it is sometimes difficult to allow college students to adopt. She said students don’t often understand the magnitude of care and commitment having a dog or cat takes. “We would love to do more with college students,” said Jacqueline Meeks. She even expressed interest in having a pet education day, or an adoption drive, on the main quad on campus. TARP is always in need of donations, dog food, fosters and “fur-ever homes.” For more information, or to help out, go to their “like” page on Facebook; a personal Facebook profile isn’t needed to be able to view it. Written by John Wade
Posted on: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 02:42:29 +0000
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