I live in a home full of love. My family works hard and also has received many graces. Indeed, I’m a very fortunate part of a very fortunate family.
We have a comfortable home, plenty to eat, and we all get regular medical checkups. If I need anything, my family provides. But it’s not that way for all the animals in our region. In too many homes, the pets are just barely hanging on. Maybe it’s due to lack of finances, or maybe it’s something that happened to disable the humans, or take one of them away forever. Or maybe a family can’t figure out how to manage the pets because they just don’t speak our language and can’t figure out what we need to fit in? Whatever the cause might be, there’s a world of unintentional uncertainty for animals whose people are in crisis. We are always at the mercy of human frailty.
When I think of all those animals who worry each night about what will happen tomorrow, I think of The Animal Support Project (TASP); and I remember all the good they do to help those unfortunate pets here in our Capital Region. Serving over 13 counties in three states surrounding Albany, NY, TASP works tirelessly to respond to the calls from frantic pet owners with nowhere else to turn for help with their pets’ needs.
And there’s more! Instead of waiting for a crisis to happen, TASP does what they can to avoid crises from occurring. They are the only organization I know of with a Paws2Protect program, offering free flea & tick prevention to low income homes. This makes the home safer for the humans and prevents the diseases that come from fleas and ticks, like tapeworm, Lyme and other nasties. TASP also stocks over 20 local human food pantries with high quality pet food and supplies through their TASP Stash program. TASP’s giving needy pets a nourishing diet prevents their families from sacrificing their own scarce food supply for their animals, and it helps the pets maintain healthy immune systems.
I may have had an extra cookie here and there, but I sure know how blessed I am. And I know our region is blessed with a pet safety net that is unique and effective. As The Animal Support Project heads into their 20th year, THEY feel blessed that so many in our community care enough to support their mission.
But our hearts are warm knowing how much our community has done to pull together and support TASP’s mission in 2025.
TASP Fantasy Photo Clinics, run four times each month (except the dog-day months of July & August) consistently yield much-needed cash flow so TASP can keep responding to all the requests for assistance. And the bonus? Truly treasured relationships with the wonderful folks who participate in these photo events; many of whom have been bringing their pets for years for the “monthly masterpiece.” It’s particularly enriching for us to follow these pets from young, rowdy pups, kittens, bunnies and even piglets to mature, well-balanced family members. Without the invites from our friends at Benson’s Pet Centers and Pet Supplies Plus, and without all the incredible pet owners who spend their time and $$ at these events, all this would not be possible. We are SO grateful to the stores’ management and staff for allowing us the privilege to fund-raise with them, and to the pet owners who show their appreciation for our work by joining us each month for a Fantasy Photo!
And while we don’t run pet photo clinics during July and August, we DO continue working to raise funds for this region’s needy pets. We offer pop-up tag sales at two fabulous properties, made available to us by our gracious partners: Veterans of Lansingburgh and Brunswick Harley Davidson. These prime locations, and the incredible support of donors and shoppers, provide a boost to our bottom line and a blessing to Capital Region pets in crisis.
New in 2025, TASP was invited to fund-raise at a special event with the animal-loving folks at Glennpeter Jewelers. Our volunteers worked feverishly to create an abundance of beautiful raffle baskets and door prizes from donated items showered upon TASP by our supporters in the community. Glennpeter Jewelers staff and management were our hosts with the most, providing delicious light fare and refreshments at their beautiful Clifton Park store, all to benefit the owned pets who need TASP’s help to stay healthy and safe.
Not to be overlooked, TASP now supports over twenty local human food pantries and community safety nets like Troy Sidewalk Warriors with steady deliveries of high-quality pet food and supplies. The lion’s share of the products we supply are donated by Benson’s Pet Centers, Pet Supplies Plus, PetSmart and Tractor Supply of Brunswick. TASP supplies the balance with funds from our TASP Stash program budget. These local businesses count on TASP to distribute these items responsibly and we’re honored to have their trust and partnership with this mission.
Is it any wonder that TASP volunteers are so proud and so grateful to be associated with each other and to be part of an army that is making such a difference for pets in the Capital District? TASP enjoys a special spot in the battle for a better life for local pets. Remember: animals aren’t homeless until they’re removed from the home. With animal shelters overflowing and pet rescue groups finding it so incredibly difficult to survive in today’s environment, it is more important than ever to do everything possible to respond to the needs of OWNED animals while they are subject to a family crisis. With “a little help from our friends,” TASP intervention continues to make it possible for local struggling families to remain together. Thank you, Friends!
