Sunday, June 12 opened with gray clouds and the promise of rain, but that didn’t stop the bikers from pouring into the SPCA parking lot in Plains Twp. ready to ride for the animals, those creatures that can’t speak for themselves.
This event is so popular that bikers actually count on the run as an unofficial event to mark the beginning of the riding season. People from all walks of life come to participate, and the riders and others who came got to meet some of the animals up for adoption, like the brindle pup Cary Moran brought out for a meet and greet. OK, so I’m a sucker for brindle, happy puppies, and yes, if Tank approves, I may have a new addition to my family.
This day featured more than 460 bikes, and I think one of my favorite was the little black scooter with the awesome English bulldog. Though he didn’t join the ride, the bulldog set a nice tone for all of those who came to ride for the animals.
I was, of course, most proud of my brother and sisters from the Sheriff’s Motorcycle Division, who kept traffic running smoothly. We were stationed at all the major intersections to allow the bikes to pass through without interruption. You can only imagine those 460 some bikes going through the red light at the turnpike entrance past all those other motorists trying to get to the weekend’s Pocono race — thank goodness all of them had the patience to wait for all of the bikes to come through.
This event is one of the most fun of the riding season. People are happy to help, and some of the riders even include a stuffed or real animal on the ride. There was one biker that I unfortunately did not get to hold down for an interview who had the cutest little dog tucked into a bag on the back of his bike. For a little dog, this one had a biker’s heart. The noise and the crowd did nothing to scare it. Even some of the sheriffs had stuffed dogs with badges on their bikes for the ride.
This was truly a family affair in support of a cause that is so beneficial to the entire community. The SPCA takes in strays, unwanted pets and those animals that didn’t fit in to a family every day. Moran and her staff make sure that each animal gets all the love that it misses living in the animal orphanage.
Every dollar raised for this cause stays right here in the Wyoming Valley, going toward food, shelter and the big tub of cat litter I saw to keep the animals happy, healthy and cared for until they find their individual forever family.
I grew up on a farm, a place where animals took first place in our lives. The first lesson I learned growing up was to take care of your animals first. Unfortunately in today’s economy, many people who have good intentions can’t care for animals as they fight to feed the humans in their family. The SPCA takes in these animals and cares for them until they can be adopted. They need your continued help to ensure a safe and happy home for the animals that are lost or abused. Even though the ride is over, the need for help is still great. Please continue to bring your donations to the Plains Twp. SPCA (524 E. Main St.) to cover the needs of the animals these people continue to serve.
Thank you for coming out and showing your support. Remember that these animals need to eat every day, and drop off your donations or even bags of dog and cat food. Animals are one of God’s greatest gifts to us. They teach us unconditional love and perfect forgiveness. If you didn’t make the ride, make a donation.
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