Troy Animal Rescue project is seeking foster families and donations to assist with a recent influx of animals at the Troy city pound.

Tiffany Howington, co-founder of Troy Animal Rescue Project, said while the Troy City Pound is classified as a kill-shelter, the facility been working as a kill-free facility thanks to the help of TARP and its network of foster volunteers.

“Fostering is the way that we save lives,” Howington said. “It’s an easy way for people to help us. We cover all vetting, food, kennel, all they have to do is give love, attention, take care of it for a short time. It’s the easiest way you can help save a life, make an impact on something that might not have had that chance if it wasn’t for a foster.”

Howington used social media to spread the word of available dogs and cats in the pound in March, which was the beginning of the TARP efforts. Howington has a background in working in animal rescue. Jaqueline Meeks worked in veterinary clinics and an animal shelter before joining forces with Howington.

“Troy Pound had so many dogs coming in and didn’t have an outlet for people to come view them,” Howington said. “In order to get adopted, people want to see photos, and know about them.”

Meeks entered the picture in May when she started a foster program with Howington. At first, they had little support but that changed.

“Community involvement increased drastically,” Howington said. “At first really no one was supporting us but then as more people got to know us and we started doing adoption events in Troy, it just kind of blew up.”

TARP works with the Troy Animal Clinic when getting rescues up to date on shots, neutered/spayed and healthy.

“If a foster can no longer foster, or if an animal at the pound needs to get out, if they don’t have room they make room. I can’t even sing their praises high enough, they take amazing care of the dogs.”

TARP is not funded by grants and relies solely on donations to maintain the organization. It relies on a network of up to 70 fosters to help house the animals. The amount of animals in the program fluctuates from 70 upwards of 130. With the help of aviation club volunteers, the group has transported rescues all over the country, from Minnesota to Florida.

Adoption events will be on Oct. 18 and 25. The Oct. 18 event will take place at Terra Cotta during the Home and Outdoor Fall Sale and Open House from 9 am to 2 p.m. The Oct. 25 event takes place in downtown Troy. Donations can be made at Troy Animal Clinic, 334-566-3356. If you are interested in fostering an animal, call 334-508-2367..