Events benefit the humane society
Tuscarawas County Humane Society calls this kitten season as many kittens and cats are available for adoption.
A full weekend with cars, bike rides, music and barbecue will benefit the Tuscarawas County Humane Society on Friday and Saturday, July 19 and 20.
The Wheely Fun Weekend will start Friday at 4 p.m. with a car show in downtown Dover. The show will be held at the parking lots of Dover Harvest Church and Hoodletown Brewery at 420 W. Third St.
Tuscarawas County Humane Society board president Rhonda Rosenberry said last year’s event was a bigger success than expected. “People like that the show is on pavement rather than in grass or mud,” she said. “It’s just easier to show off the cars and keep them clean that way. We had a lot of people out for it, and this year will be even better.”
There will be two avenues for music at the car show. The Spikeman will spin records at one end of the lot while live music by Martini and Russo will fill the other end. Music will get underway at 6:30 p.m. Food trucks will be on hand by Three Lil Piggies, Zontini Wood Fired Pizza, and Two Guys and a Grill. A 50/50 drawing also will help raise funds for the shelter.
Registration for the car show is $10. Advance registration is at www.runsignup.com by searching pedal4paws or simply show up at the event.
The seventh annual Pedal4Paws will be July 20. It’s a bike-riding event that will begin and end at Tuscora Park, 161 Tuscora Ave. NW, New Philadelphia.
Four levels of rides are planned. A family walk or ride route is available for a $30 registration while 10-, 20- and 50-mile rides are $40. The registration includes a ticket for a chicken barbecue by Phillips BBQ. Those who would like to enjoy the dinner without the ride may do so for $10.
All registrations are available at the link above or by visiting the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, Pets Place in New Philadelphia or Paul’s Body Shop on Front Street in Dover. Riders should come at 8 a.m. The three longer rides will begin at 9 a.m. while the family ride will start at 10 a.m. Helmets are required for all riders at any level.
All proceeds from the two days of events will directly benefit the Tuscarawas County Humane Society. Rosenberry emphasized that the society shelter is not supported by county or other funds.
“We are entirely funded by donations and adoption fees,” she said. “Many people, I think, may be unaware of that. We depend on public donations and what we can raise from fundraisers like the Wheely Fun car show and Pedal4Paws.”
Rosenberry said the shelter’s expenses are not insignificant. “We have to cover veterinary expenses, building expenses and maintenance, food, blankets, utilities and all of it. We are entirely nonprofit,” she said.
The shelter always has a lot of animals available for adoption. “Right now is kitten season, and we have a lot of kittens available and a long list of people who want to bring kittens in,” Rosenberry said. “Spaying and neutering pets is very important, but many still don’t do it, and the cat population is quite large.”
Rosenberry said the shelter always has around 25-30 dogs available. “There are always dogs at the shelter waiting for homes,” she said.
Further information and registration links are at the Tuscarawas County Humane Society Facebook page. The shelter is located at 1432 Tall Timber Road NE in New Philadelphia. Call 330-343-6060 or visit them online at www.tuschumanesociety.com.