On Sunday, June 12, motorcycle enthusiasts will show that they are indeed dog’s and cat’s best friends. Sunday marks the 15th year that motorcycle riders have been coming out to pitch in and help animals at the SPCA. For 13 of those years, the Wyoming Valley Motorcycle club (WVMC) has run the rain-or-shine event, which will be held at Bentley’s (2300 Route 309, Ashley) with Outta the Blue Band. Registration, which runs from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., is at the Plains Twp. SPCA (524 E. Main St., Plains Twp.).
“It is awesome that they do this for us,” Cary Moran of the SPCA said. “What’s really great is that they do all the work.”
Moran was sad to have to break the news that Angus, the beloved St. Bernard dog that opened the ride each year, had passed away. However, A.J., who is also a St. Bernard, will be there to try to fill in Angus’s spot.
When asked about the needs of the animals this year Moran said, “The priority is to keep the shelter going, and to raise awareness for their spay and neuter program. Last week we had 73 cats dropped off over a period of three days.”
Walking into the SPCA in Plains Twp., there is a tally board that reads: “In May, the shelter received 544 animals. There were 142 dogs, 379 cats and 23 other animals dropped off at the shelter. That’s just one month.
“The younger generation is not getting their animals spayed or neutered,” Moran said.
When you don’t spay or neuter your animal, it affects many facets: The behavior of the animal, the health of the animal, the social responsibility of the owners and it is the No. 1 reason for animal abuse.
Prevent abuse, spay and neuter your pet. That’s the message from this shelter. Moran also mentioned that to help with the costs for these procedures, the SPCA does have an assistance program. If you are eligible, you would pay only $10 to neuter a male cat, and $15 for a female cat spay.
Moran also mentioned that June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month. These cats are free to a really good home. They just ask that you consider making a donation to the spay and neuter program. They believe that adoption is the best option. I met a little gray tabby cat named Courage, he’s been at the shelter for more than a year. He really wants someone to come and give him a good home.
While there I also met Roxie, she’s an English bulldog who is being used as the new educational dog. She is owned by Janet Horney. The SPCA offers all kinds of educational programs from pre-k right through high school.
Moran, who is allergic to cats and dogs, seems an unlikely fit for an animal shelter.
“I’ve always believed, if you are going to do something for your livelihood, it should be something that benefits other people,” she said. “This is a great job. I get to teach people how to take care of animals. This job is cool.”
And you can see how all the animals (and even the staff) enjoy being around Moran.
This is what the WVMC sees as well when they keep coming back to run this event for the animals — a way to give back to those who have no voice and no one else to help.
If you would like to help, you can come to the ride, donate food and cat litter or volunteer at the shelter.
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