Bike Ride Helps SPCA

Three years ago Victor Ohjnec wanted to ride his bike to Canada from his home in Westchester, Pa., only to be told by his wife that she wouldn't let him make the trip by himself.

In a nutshell, that's how Peddling 4 Paws was born. Mr. Ohjnec found a friend, Mike VanRyn to go on the trip with him and as Mr. VanRyn began telling people about the trip, they were able to raise about $3,000 for their local animal shelter, in just over two weeks.

Last year the pair decided ride to Ogdensburg, not far from where one of their friends and former cycling partners, Yvess Dupont, of Heuvelton now lives, also deciding to stop in communities on their route to raise money for other animal shelters along the way, including the St. Lawrence Valley SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) in Ogdensburg and the SPCA of Jefferson County in Watertown.

Last year their efforts raised more than $5,000 that was split among various animal shelters located between Westchester and Ogdensburg. This year Mr. Ohjnec said that they're stopping at eight shelters along the way, including Watertown and Ogdensburg, while raising money for 15 shelters total.

Mr. Dupont said that he'll join the group on Saturday morning somewhere along state route 37 and ride with them into Ogdensburg. "If you're going to do a long ride, you might as well do it for a cause," he said.

The event also allows Mr. Dupont to connect with old friends, "I'm glad to see them come up here," he said.

St. Lawrence County SPCA volunteer Karen L. Cunningham said that it's events like this that help keep the SPCA afloat. "It gets word out there that there's a need for dollars," she said, "We're happy to take whatever donations we can get. That's how we survive."

As for the participants, Mr. Ohjnec said Peddling 4 Paws is an event that involves two of his favorite things, biking and animals. "How many people do you know who can step inside an SPCA and not want to help out those animals?" he asked.

Mr. Ohjnec said that the entire trip will be made by three bikers, himself, Mr. VanRyn and Gary Bianchini, all of Westchester, although there are many times during the trip when they're joined by additional riders from communities along the way.

If you would like to donate to Peddling 4 Paws, Mr. Ohjnec said simply make a donation to your local animal shelter.

In Ogdensburg Ms. Cunningham said that donation jars are available at many local businesses. Checks may be mailed to: St. Lawrence Valley SPCA; PO Box 594; Ogdensburg, N.Y. 13694.

In Watertown checks can be mailed to: SPCA of Jefferson County; 25056 Water St.; Watertown, N.Y. 13601.