We give pets time we can spare, space we can spare, and love we can spare. And in return, pets give us their all. It’s the best deal man has ever made.
M. Facklam
Wayside Waifs in Grandview, Missouri, is an independent, not-for-profit, animal shelter that takes in nearly 12,000 pets annually. The organization is totally dependent on donations for support. On Saturday, August 25, motorcyclists contributed to Wayside by participating in the Putt for Mutts event at Gail’s Harley-Davidson in Grandview.
On the day before the event, the National Weather Service was forecasting the worst possible weather—thunderstorms with hail, strong winds, and possible flooding. Due to rain earlier in the week, much of the area where the motorcycles usually park at the animal shelter was soft and definitely not kickstand-friendly. With participant safety and the parking situation in mind, the event planners decided to have the ride terminate at Gail’s rather than at Wayside. Instead of a ride, the dice run would have all of its stops at the dealership.
Registration began at 9 a.m. The $20 registration fee included a ride pin, lunch, and goodie bag. Additional goodies were available for those who brought in additional donations. The weather was somewhat threatening, but not nearly as bad as forecast. Another last-minute change in plans was made to accommodate about 250 riders who wanted to ride the route instead of doing all of their dice rolls at Gail’s.
For those who decided to skip the ride and roll the dice at the dealership, Natalie, a Gail’s employee, had come up with a series of clever clues to guide the participants from one location in and around the store to another. Wayside Waifs’ mobile adoption unit was on hand to provide adoption opportunities for many pets. Everyone enjoyed a catered barbeque lunch and music by Stage Frite.
I talked about the event with Jenny Brown from Wayside Waifs.
CC: This event normally ends at Wayside Waifs. From your viewpoint, what is the effect of the change in plans?
Jenny: Gail has always provided us with fabulous support. She called us the day before the event due to the impending rain, and we completely restructured the event to make it great for the riders and for the animals. We’re having the entire event here at Gail’s. We have great food and music and lots of animals here.
CC: What kinds of animals did you bring today?
Jenny: Wayside Waifs cares for companion animals including dogs, cats, bunnies, and occasionally gerbils, ferrets, and such. Here at this event we have dogs and cats.
CC: How long have you had your mobile unit?
Jenny: We were fortunate enough to get it just about a year ago. It has really been a blessing. We have been able to go out to the community and bring our animals, and it has really made an impact on our adoptions. We have taken the unit out at least 20 times this summer.
CC: What do you think of the bikers and their support for this event?
Jenny: This is a great crowd for dogs. Everyone who comes out here, men and women, are such huge animal supporters. We thank them for all of the money that they raise and for coming out on a day when the weather might not be ideal, but they really come out to support the cause, and we really appreciate it!
CC: Thanks, Jenny. We appreciate what Wayside Waifs does for these animals.
Due to the adverse weather conditions, the event was not as big as usual, but a substantial donation was still made to Wayside Waifs. A big “Thank you!” goes out to all of the participants and sponsors and to the American Heartland H.O.G. Chapter volunteers for their support!
You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, “My God, you’re RIGHT! I NEVER would’ve thought of that.”
Dave Barry
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