rescued animals

Riding for the Animals: Motorcyclist To Complete Cross-Country Ride as Fundraiser for Rescued Animals

Posted by Barbara Techel

 
Saugerties, NY – August 13, 2011 – Avid motorcyclist David DiNicola of Middlefield, New York, will rev up his Harley Davidson from August 13-22 for The Strong in Spirit journey across the country to raise money for rescued animals.

DiNicola wanted to do something to honor the legacy of his late German Shepherd, KaDee, who brought so much joy to his life during her 16 years. “KaDee had such gumption for life – the same gumption that I see when I look into the eyes of rescued animals still waiting for their forever home,” said DiNicola who hopes to raise $100,000 to be split between two animal organizations: Catskill Animal Sanctuary and the Berkshire Humane Society.

The Berkshire Humane Society is where KaDee was adopted as a puppy and an organization that DiNicola has been involved with ever since. Catskill Animal Sanctuary, located in Saugerties, New York, rescues 12 species of farm animals from life or death situations. DiNicola first heard of Catskill Animal Sanctuary when he picked up a book, Where the Blind Horse Sings by Kathy Stevens, the sanctuary’s founder and director – the first book, he says, he has ever read from start to finish. The book compelled him to visit the sanctuary where he met numerous animals who changed his understanding about farm animals forever.

“Everyone can do something to make a difference. I am a motorcyclist, that’s what I do; and I found a way to turn that into an opportunity to help animals who I deeply care about,” said DiNicola. “You don’t have to devote your life to a cause, but we all need to find something that grabs at our heart and then we need to find a way to help. This is my way.” The grueling trip is 4,000 miles, and DiNicola will travel 10 states in 10 days.

Check out this video of David, KaDee, and Atlas (a formerly abused and disabled goat now living happily at Catskill Animal Sanctuary) on their respective wheels at http://ow.ly/61iVB, and learn more about this extraordinary journey here http://casanctuary.org/events/strong-in-spirit/.

 

The Peanut Pet Shelter

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

I learned about this sweet chihuahua, Peanut, after Frankie’s book flew by plane in my neighbor’s suitcase as a gift to their friends, Andy and Jennifer, who run the Peanut Pet Shelterin Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

I was touched and saddened to read their story, but found joy in what they did with their heartbreak.  I couldn’t help but think yet again how everything happens for a reason.  I also couldn’t help but think how some souls come to this earth for a brief, short time on a specific mission, and then off they go again.  In their place they leave a huge amount of love and compassion.  This was Peanut’s mission.

Not wanting to give his whole story away, I encourage you to read about Andy and Jennifer’s inspiration in Peanut and how the shelter began.  The video with the story had me giggling with delight and saying, “You go, Peanut!”  What a sweetheart!

Thank you, Andy and Jennifer for all you do for the animals in Playa del Carmen and a special thank you to Peanut for teaching all of us that no matter our time here on earth, short or long, we can make a positive impact… and no matter our size… we can do anything.