Parker County Today May 2018 | Page 56

our professionals: TOP VETS Texas Coalition for Animal Protection Not-so-Ruff Pet Care M any of us in Parker County are animal lovers. Because of our affection for our furry friends, we want the best possible care for them. However, some people may not be able to afford that care for their beloved pets due to financial constraints. That’s where the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP) can help. “TCAP is a low-cost spay and neuter program,” Ashley Tucker, a representative for TCAP, said. Since 2002, TCAP has been offering low-cost spays, neuters, vaccines, dental cleaning, microchipping, heart protection, and help with weight control. “TCAP offers low- cost options to Texas pet owners to control pet overpopulation in North Texas,” Tucker said  TCAP contracts licensed veterinar- ians who have extensive surgical experience and are well-versed in preventative animal care. They also employ experienced and caring veterinary technicians who work alongside and support the veterinary team during their surgery sessions.   The Weatherford Clinic is open on Thursdays and Fridays. Low-cost walk-in vaccination hours are from 9 to noon, in addition to sched- uled neuters and spays those days. Tanner Equine Providing Healthcare to Winners Zoetis PCRA Vet of the Year (2016) that Focuses on Equine Athletes Makes Parker County His Home. N umerous owners and trainers of top equine champions attribute their success, in part, to Dr. Marty Tanner and his understanding of what it takes to keep equine athletes competing at the highest level. Tanner was recognized as a Top 5 Veterinarian by the PRCA in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. In 2016, Tanner was awarded the distinguished honor of 2016 Veterinarian of The Year by the PRCA. For over 10 years now, Tanner has been traveling to the National Finals Rodeo to serve his clients. During this time, he has been the veterinarian for over 50 qualifiers, six World Champion- ships, an arena record, a single season earnings record and five PRCA Horse of the Year recipients.  Since 1992, Tanner had operated his vet practice from a clinic in Elgin, Texas. That all changed, after a conversation with Jeff Busby of Busby Quarter Horses in Millsap, who convinced Tanner to relocate to Parker County. Clients come from as far away as Canada, Colorado, Mississippi and Alabama to seek treatment from Tanner. “It’s all because of Marty,” Danielle Felts, Tanner Equine’s Business Manag- er said. “People will drive a very long way to bring their horses to him.” The lion’s share of Tanner’s clients come from a wide range of equine sports disciplines from Hunters/Jumpers to Barrel Horses. “I take care (mostly) of Cutting Horses, Race Horses, Rodeo Horses (Time Event Horses, Barrel Horses, Roping, Doggin’, Bucking Horses),” Tanner said. “Buckin’ Horses are very cool horses. They’re very smart horses. They’re fun to work with. They’ve been treated like horses they’re not pets.” Although, Tanner Equine opened quietly in September, 2017 as a good deal of its facilities was still under construction. “We didn’t encourage a lot of Continued on page 68 54 Appointments can be scheduled by calling 817-426-3777. A rabies vaccine is only $5. Sterilizations start at $35.