The Pioneer Farmers Market has joined the Troy Animal Shelter Coalition in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of the animals that are sheltered at the Troy Animal Shelter and also the need for a state-of-the-art animal shelter in Troy.

“In talking with members of the Troy Animal Shelter Coalition, we realized that the Pioneer Farmers Market could provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the needs of abandoned and neglected dog and cats and what a modern animal shelter would mean to Troy and Pike County,” said Pam Sanders, market manager. “We have a large number of people come to the Pioneer Farmers Market each week so by setting up an information booth we can get the word out and perhaps get more people involved in the activities and events of the Troy Animal Shelter Coalition.”

There will be a representative of the Troy Animal Shelter Coalition at the 5 p.m. Thursday markets and the 7 a.m. Saturday markets. The booth will include information about animal adoptions, events and the on-going efforts to build an animal shelter on the Henderson Highway. The coalition owns two acres on the highway for that purpose.

“We are also asking visitors to the market to donate items that are needed at the present shelter,” Sanders said. “There is always a need for flea treatments, bleach and other cleaning supplies. And donations are always welcomed.”

Dee Kreager, a member of the animal shelter coalition, said people seem to be genuinely concerned with the abandoned animal situation in Pike County and are anxious to do what they can to help.”

“There will be someone at the Pioneer Farmers Market booth to answer any questions that people might have and provide information about the Troy Animal Shelter Coalition and the progress being made toward a modern shelter in Pike County,” she said.