Trenton Animals Rock (TAR) has a new look.
This Saturday, TAR is inviting the Trenton community to “Paint with Pups” at the newly designed shelter mural. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees will have a chance to explore the opportunities TAR has to offer pets and their care-givers at the shelter open house while getting creative with some local artists.
“Attendees will be invited to tour the shelter, meet some pups outside and contribute to the mural by painting a flower alongside our artists,” said Danielle Gletow, founder of TAR. “We will have music and snacks and lots of information throughout the morning and afternoon.”
The brand new mural was designed and created by two well-known local artists Sophie Ban and Leon Rainbow. Both artists will join the afternoon to assist attendees as they add the finishing floral touches. The bright blue mural alongside the shelter wall features many of the shelter’s “star residence,” including a pit bull mix named Bizzy, the rescued dog that initially inspired the start of TAR in 2018.
In October of 2020, Mayor W. Reed Gusciora signed a proclamation declaring TAR an official no-kill shelter. With this new, eye-catching mural, TAR hopes to shed light on this change and the constantly evolving organization as it continues to save the lives of missing an abandoned pets in the capital city.
“For a very long time the shelter was seen as a dark place where animals went to be killed. It is not that place anymore,” said Gletow. “It has become a truly different environment since Trenton Animals Rock became involved. It is a no-kill shelter and we offer so many resources to residents that we want them to be aware of.”
During the day’s events, Gletow hopes the community spends some time learning about the variety of services TAR offers Trenton outside of their rescue shelter. TAR’s mission is not just about keeping animals off the street, but about keeping them happy and healthy in the homes of their new owners.
“The shelter can be a resource to residents. We offer a rabies clinic, low cost spay/neuter options, low cost or free humane euthanasia and other training services,” said Gletow. “We also hope to have a pet pantry soon!”
Currently, there is a few dozen individuals registered for the Painting with Pups event happening this Saturday. TAR hopes they can get around 30 to 40 residence to come and celebrate with the dedicated team and rescued pets.
“We are really excited about all the amazing changes at the Trenton Animal Shelter, and the mural is a great visual representation of all the good that has been done,” said Gletow. “It is a brighter, more welcoming place for both people and the animals and we wanted the opportunity to share these updates with the community.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the Painting with Pups event should visit tarnj.org or email Trenton Animals Rock at info@tarnj.org.
