Murfreesboro, TN — After years of vision and months of community collaboration, Beesley Animal Foundation proudly unveiled its new 24/7 Microchip Station and Outreach Pet Food Box, now located on the Foundation’s front porch and available for public use.

Beesley Animal Foundation, open Mondays through Thursdays, recognized the need for a way to scan found pets during evenings and weekends. In October, the Foundation requested a used newspaper stand to serve as the base of this after-hours resource, and the community responded. Thanks to the donation of a well-loved double newspaper box and the creativity of dedicated partners, the project quickly came to life.

Oakland High School’s Welding Class, led by Mr. Warmack, helped by removing several inches of concrete from the base, repairing dents, and welding broken pieces to make the box sturdy and functional. It then moved on to Oakland High’s Art Club, under the direction of Mr. Baugh, where students transformed it into a vibrant, cat- and dog-themed work of art. Scott Roberts installed shelves so that one side of the box can be used for scanning microchips, and the other side holds cat and dog food.

This dual-purpose box serves not only as a Microchip Station, helping reunite lost pets with their families, but also as an Outreach Pet Food Box, stocked with food for pet owners in need after hours.

The DataMars Compact Max Microchip Scanner, generously sponsored by Dr. Kathryn McPherson of McPherson Veterinary Services, is user-friendly and includes clear written instructions as well as a video tutorial. Beesley Animal Foundation thanks local veterinary partners like Dr. McPherson, whose commitment to animal welfare makes community projects like this possible.

Unveiled during National Microchipping Month, this long-awaited project is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together. Every element—from the box and repairs to the artwork, scanner, and pet food—was donated, making this a truly grassroots initiative serving pets and people throughout Middle Tennessee.

“We are so grateful to everyone who made this possible,” said Beesley staff. “This is more than just a box—it’s a symbol of how our community comes together to care for animals. Through all of our programs, we promote kindness, respect, and responsibility, and this project truly embodies those values.”

The box was unveiled on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Beesley Animal Foundation, 2215 Keeneland Commercial Blvd, Murfreesboro. Beesley Animal Foundation also went live on Facebook to share the unveiling: https://www.facebook.com/beesleyfoundation.

• For more information or to view the Microchip Scanner Instruction Video, visit: www.beesleyanimalclinic.com/scanner-info.