TAZEWELL, Va. -In its first-ever Stuff the Truck event, the Tazewell Police Department is hoping to change the lives of the town’s homeless pet population.
Held on Change a Pet’s Life Day, a lieutenant says the goal was to ease the burden on Tazewell’s local animal shelter, and it seems the department’s first attempt turned out as a success.
“We’ve had lines of vehicles that have donated all kinds of supplies. People come to take pictures of paw patrol that are here. We have had several small children come. We had one small, little girl that come by just a few minutes ago, and she had one can of cat food in a bag just to be able to take a picture with paw patrol,” said Lt. Paul Little, with the Tazewell Police Department.
The director for the Tazewell County Animal Shelter says this help could not have come at a better time.
“It was just awesome to see them being so dedicated to be out in this cold weather like this and taking up donations for the animals and trying to make a difference for the shelter babies,” said Jenny Lawson, Director of the Tazewell County Animal Shelter.
Lt. Little says without community support it would not be possible.
“Here in the town of Tazewell, we have an amazing community. The public here are great. People have big hearts, and you know, it’s after Christmas. People don’t have a whole lot of money. They spend a lot of money on Christmas. But still, folks have come out. They’ve opened their wallets, and they’ve opened their hearts, and they’ve provided these donations,” said Lt. Little.
While these donations are extremely important, it is also important to make sure these animals are finding homes. The shelter is currently running with decreased adoptions fees, and most animals have been fully vetted.
“The majority of the animals that are currently in the shelter are already spayed or neutered, but the ones that aren’t, the $25 adoption fee comes with a voucher to have them spayed or neutered and their rabies vaccination done,” said Dawson.
Adoptions fees are currently $25, and it is planned to continue throughout next week.
Copyright 2025 WVVA. All rights reserved.