Azure West/Jefferson Jimplecute
In a significant boost to local animal welfare efforts, several East Texas animal shelters have been named recipients of the “It Takes Balls” grants from Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation. The $130,000 in spay and neuter grants will be distributed across various shelters in East Texas, North Texas, and the Panhandle, significantly impacting animal care services in these regions.
One of the notable grant recipients is Friends of Jefferson Animals (FOJA), a group dedicated to rescuing and caring for stray and abandoned animals in Marion County. We spoke with Jan Eaton, a grant writer for FOJA, about the impact of this grant and her journey in securing these crucial funds.
“It was my first experience dealing with so many abandoned dogs. Through neighbors, I got in touch with Dina [FOJA coordinator], who was a lifeline,” Eaton said. “One night, she called me around 9 PM about some dogs hiding under a building behind a church. Though apprehensive due to stories I’d heard about limited assistance, I decided to help.”
Eaton’s journey with FOJA began with this encounter and grew into a profound commitment. “I’m a dog person through and through. My husband even builds dog houses for our pets. That first connection with Dina led to more involvement with FOJA and other local rescue efforts. I’ve seen firsthand the dire situation of abandoned animals in Marion County, and it was heartbreaking.”
As Eaton’s involvement deepened, she became more proactive, urging local authorities to address the animal abandonment crisis. “I contacted the county commissioners, wrote letters, and mobilized community members through Facebook to attend meetings and write letters. It takes a village to make a difference, and Dina has been incredible in leading these efforts.”
Despite the challenges, Eaton’s determination did not wane. “I’ve written five grants, with Sharon Goldsby providing huge support. Two were pending, one was declined, but then Dina sent me a link to Miranda Lambert’s grant with a tight 24-hour deadline. It was a race against time.”
Eaton detailed the frenetic process of compiling the grant application. “Sharon and I gathered all necessary information. The urgency was immense, with every step needing immediate action. Each grant has different requirements, and this one demanded a cover letter with specific details, and we made it work.”
Ultimately, the perseverance paid off. “It was against all odds, but we managed to submit everything on time. This grant will significantly enhance our ability to provide spay and neuter services, reducing the number of unwanted animals and helping us manage the population more effectively.”
Eaton’s story is one of many highlighting the collaborative efforts of East Texas communities to improve animal welfare. The “It Takes Balls” grant from MuttNation not only provides financial assistance but also serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of local volunteers and advocates.
Miranda Lambert’s initiative underscores the importance of community and celebrity involvement in tackling pressing issues. As these shelters receive their grants, the impact on animal care and population control will be profound, fostering a more humane environment for animals across the region.
For more information on how you can support these efforts, visit the MuttNation Foundation and local shelter websites. Together, we can make a difference, one animal at a time.