Visiting the Jefferson County SPCA

After grabbing some breakfast grub, we rolled into the Jefferson County SPCA in Watertown. The place is run by a family with mom, Lauren, taking us on a tour while YNN reporter, Amanda, tracking the discussion and waiting patiently for the chance to interview us about Pedaling4Paws.

In our discussion, we learned that the SPCA greatly appreciated our support and that they need more than just cash donations. They said that they have a “wish list” which typically includes blankets, newspaper, food (cat/dog food, mostly), and non-clumping cat litter. Like most non-profits, the depend on the kindness of local businesses and individuals and liked the idea of local bike clubs, businesses or other groups helping to collect any and all donations with one person then delivering the donations to their location. They also greatly appreciate these donations and any volunteer or “voluntold” hours people can offer to help with running the facility. Amazing stuff!

Like all shelters, they have many, many beautiful animals to adopt and would love to find them all great homes!!

Oh, and as soon as YNN publishes Amanda’s report, we will update the blog and website, so stay tuned!

We made it to Ogdensburg,NY

We arrived around noon into the Ogdensburg,NY area and then headed to the border for the obligatory photos.

After the border, we headed off to Yves Dupont’s place for a shower and to warm up (yes, the rain got heavier and the temperature got colder, and we were not quite as happy as in previous days’ riding). After the shower, we headed to the St Lawrence Valley SPCA.

We had an amazing reception at this SPCA. They had received help from their Pepsi distributor in creating an awesome “Welcome Pedaling4paws Riders” banner. They also fed us a great variety of excellent wraps, fruit, cookies and drinks. After that reception, we visited their very impressive facility and chatted for about an hour. Our hosts (see photo, from left to right) were Karen Cunningham, Ingrid Baltradis, and Carolyn Filippi. Many other staff members but as you can imagine, the needs here are the same – more supplies, more money and more volunteers! We were very pleased to hear that our fellow cyclists from the Canton Bicycle Club made a significant donation. That started the ball rolling for other local businesses and individuals. The result – the St Lawrence Valley SPCA is receiving great benefit from Pedaling4Paws! For that we are very greatful but do acknowledge that the local newspaper, television and poster placements (the SPCA put our poster in local businesses and common areas to promote Pedaling4Paws) were invaluable to the positive results.

More stats and photos later or more likely more after we return to PA!

Thanks to all for the support and for following along!

Viktor, Mike, Gary, and Ellen (our organizer and blog mistress extraordinare.

Brief Break North of Alexandria, NY

Quick break at a parking area on the side of the road. Some raindrops starting…

Day Five Starts at 6:00AM

Mike has this blog entry…
What? I’m not quite through my first cup of coffee…

Okay thanks Mike.

We ended up at a Denny’s and ordered some Slams. Once Mike perked up, he mentioned that today is basically a metric century.

Before we leave Watertown, we will be visiting the Jefferson County SPCA. After that, we hope to meet Yves Dupont, former WCCC member and now local resident in upper NY. Je will ride with us to the St Lawrence Valley SPCA in Ogdensburg.

So a short but busy day!