Animal Preservation of East Texas has been selected to receive a $5,000 grant through Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation and Tractor Supply Co.’s 2026 Mutts Across America program.
APET, which operates an animal shelter in Mineola and serves Wood County, was selected as a wild-card recipient after shelters from each of the 50 states had already been chosen for this year’s awards.
Representatives from APET will receive the award during a presentation at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at Tractor Supply Co. in Mineola. APET’s board president and executive director will accept a ceremonial check from Tractor Supply representatives, along with a Tractor Supply gift card.
Launched in 2014, Mutts Across America is MuttNation Foundation’s signature program recognizing animal shelters and foster-based rescues for their work in their communities. The program was created by Bev Lambert, Miranda Lambert’s mother, to recognize an outstanding shelter or rescue organization in each state annually.
With support from Tractor Supply Co., each organization selected receives a $5,000 grant. More than $250,000 is being awarded through the program in 2026.
The recognition also has an East Texas connection. Miranda Lambert, a Lindale native, founded MuttNation Foundation with her mother in 2009. The foundation supports animal shelters, rescue organizations and other animal welfare efforts and promotes pet adoption.
APET has served the Mineola area since 2003 and opened its limited-admission animal shelter in 2012. The nonprofit serves Wood County with a mission of reducing the overpopulation of unwanted dogs and cats, providing care for animals and helping them find permanent homes.
The public is invited to attend Saturday’s award presentation at Tractor Supply Co. in Mineola.