Paws on Parade in Plattsburgh

By: Vicky Scott

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - If you find yourself at the Plattsburgh City Rec Department on October 11 you will see more than just your two legged friends for the Elmore SPCA. This even is held to raise money for the shelter and to raise awareness about animals without homes. Between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. there will be photos, human and dog costume judging, awards, 97.5 Eagle Country DJ, performance by Center Stage Performance Dance, Paws on Parade around the Oval, The Wild Waggle and Waddle 5k run/walk, the Human and Dog obstacle competition, the best leash challenge, best in fetch competition and Closing Challenge Awards Ceremony and Pet Blessing. The walk has a fund raising goal of $20,000 and has so far raised $390. Participants are asked to pay a minimum of $20 for a pre-registration fee. The participants who reach a fundraising goal of $100 will receive a free event gift.

The Elmore SPCA is a no kill animal shelter located in Peru. Last year the shelter was successful and found homes for 313 dogs, 243 cats, 23 small animals and six birds. All dogs and cats adopted last year were either spayed or neutered and up to date on their vaccinations. This success was made possible through local donations and fundraisers put on by the shelter, like the 5k.

The shelter has eight different sponsorship and membership levels ranging from $15 to $500. Not only does the shelter need monetary donations, they also rely on volunteers and the time they give to the shelter.

Tasha Widrick, a junior at Plattsburgh State, has volunteered at the Elmore SPCA since her freshman year of college. “It’s a great experience to work with the animals and people here at the shelter because not only does it benefit the animals and the workers, it allows a positive outlet in my life during stressful times in school,” said Widrick. With more volunteers at the shelter, more funds can be put towards health needs.

Funds are necessary to keep the animals spayed and neutered and up to date on vaccinations. Linda O’Brien, a former vet tech at Palmer’s Veterinary Clinic, explained the importance of spaying and neutering animals who are in shelters and at home. “These procedures can eliminate the chance of other health problems down the line and prevent unwanted pregnancies,” said O’Brien. Communities spend money to control the spread of unwanted animals every year, like Krumpus, a black haired Bombay cat who was adopted from Adirondack Save a Stray by Emily Leonardi.  

“Krumpus earned his name because of his color and attitude,” said Leonardi, “he shares the name with an evil character who is Santa’s shadow.” Leonardi chose to adopt a cat instead of “shop” for one because she believes that by doing so, you will change a homeless animals whole entire world. It gives an animal a second chance at life and it helps fight the puppy mills. “I adopted Krumpus three months ago and at first he was shy but seeing the transition from shelter life to home life really makes adoption worth while,” said Leonardi.

By participating in the Elmore SPCA Paws on Parade, it will support animals like Krumpus and help the shelter find all animals a happy ending.

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