After a Johnson County teenager died in a car accident in 2008, friends of her family in the Johnson County Eagles began a motorcycle ride fundraiser in her honor that benefits the Johnson County Animal Shelter.
The Goin’ to the Dogs motorcycle ride has raised $8,000 to $9,000 per year, with all proceeds benefiting the shelter. Because of the ride, no dogs have been euthanized in more than five years because of a lack of space at the shelter. Animals that are taken to the shelter who are sick or injured are able to be treated, and all animals that come into the shelter get vaccinations.
This year’s “Goin’ to the Dogs” Sara Woods Memorial Ride will leave at noon July 11 from Whit’s Inn, 1020 U.S. 31 North, Whiteland.
Cost is $20 per rider and $10 per passenger.
Breakfast will be available starting at 9 a.m. for $5.
Registration starts at 10 a.m., with kickstands up at noon
All proceeds benefit the animal shelter.
Dinner and festivities after ride will be at the Johnson County Eagles, 564 N. Front St., Whiteland.
The same day, the shelter and county animal control will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Johnson County Animal Control, 2160 N. Graham Road, Franklin. The event is free and open to the public. Rain date is July 18.
Motorcycle riders will stop by the event.
Photos with dogs will be available for $5. Microchipping will be available for $10. Pet ID tags will be available for $3
There will be demonstrations by the sheriff’s office K-9 officer, as well as obedience trainers. Groomers will be on hand to share pet care tips and tricks.
Also at the event, visitors can adopt free “barn cats,” cats that have been rescued and are spayed or neutered and vaccinated.
The shelter will have dogs available for adoption at a “name your price” rate. Pet adopters can decide how much they can pay for the adoption fee, and the shelter will pick up the rest of the cost.
Visitors also can enjoy free pizza and popcorn, and there will be drawings throughout the day for door prizes.
Information: 736-9324.
