Calling All Animal Lovers!

Speaking with Gail Marshall, the President of the Trumbull Animal Group (TAG), you hear the passion and dedication in her voice.  “There are a number of us who have been involved since the very beginning,” she says. “We really need new people to help out.” 

This all-volunteer group is reaching out to Trumbull residents to recruit new members and volunteers.  “At $10 a year, membership in TAG is one of the best deals around,” Marshall commented.  In addition, the group is looking for volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, especially fundraising. 

The central goals of TAG are twofold, according to Marshall.  Their first goal is to raise funds for medical bills.  “We make sure they have their shots and heartworm treatments and are medically ready for adoption,” she said.

In general, TAG raises funds for non-emergency illness and injuries including medical assessment, vaccinations, blood work, medications, dental care, and surgeries. “We try to never say ‘no’ when an animal needs care that is beyond the Animal Control Officer’s budget,” Marshall concluded.

After their health and physical appearance are addressed, the second goal of TAG is to train people to properly walk dogs.  “We have some larger dogs and strong breeds, and some of them have never walked on a leash,” Marshall adds. 

Now making the transformation from what Marshall calls “a '60s dog pound” to a larger, more modern facility, the will be able to house a variety of animals from dogs and cats to rabbits, tortoises and snakes.  “We even had a chicken once,” Marshall commented.

All of this could not have been accomplished without the dedication of TAG’s volunteers, led by Marshall’s husband John, who serves as the group’s volunteer coordinator.  Local resident Barbara Jenkins is the group’s Dog Adoption Advisor, who makes connections with rescue groups and other animal rescue organizations to try and find suitable homes for abandoned animals.

Cindy Socha is the Cat Adoption Coordinator.  Local groomers and animal trainers also dedicate time to help prepare animals for adoption.  All volunteers work closely with Trumbull Animal Control officer Lynn Dellabianca who Marshall calls “a consummate professional.”

To become a member of TAG, or to assist with fund raising, contact volunteer coordinator John Marshall at 203-380-2540.