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WILKES-BARRE — Trails for Tails, a 2018 Leadership Wilkes-Barre project group, is creating a new walking trail and path of reflection at the SPCA of Luzerne County.
According to Stacey Golembeski, a member of the project group, sheltered animals need some joy in their lives.
”Going for a walk may not seem like much to us, but it means everything to these animals,” Golembeski said. “A bright spot in their otherwise dreary day.“
Golembeski, who works at Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, is one of nine members of the project committee.
The group wants to construct a new walking path a quarter mile-long that will encircle the SPCA cemetery, offering a walking trail for people and their pets, with benches and doggie waste stations.
“The construction of this walking trail will provide our volunteers with a safe place to walk and socialize these dogs as we work to move them toward their new forever homes,” explained Todd Hevner, executive director, SPCA of Luzerne County. “The trail will also help our passionate team of volunteers reach our goal of walking every dog, every day.”
The Trails for Tails team plans to begin construction on the project in April, once the cold weather breaks, and will hold a red carpet reveal in May which will be open to the public. Monetary donations would be greatly appreciated to help cover the costs of items and supplies. Volunteers will also be needed to help with the construction of the trail.
Committee member Amber Loomis said, as a huge animal lover, the project has been an absolute joy for her.
“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to give back to the SPCA of Luzerne County and my community in such a positive way,” Loomis said.
Aimee Newell, Ph.D., Luzerne County Historical Society, has found it rewarding to be able to give back to the community through the Leadership Wilkes-Barre experience.
“We are able to help the SPCA of Luzerne County by providing this much-needed walkway on their grounds,” Newell said. “And it has been gratifying to have such a positive response from the community as we work to make the walkway a reality.”
Mark Angelo, who works at Mohegan Sun Pocono, said rescuing a dog has brought a lot of joy and happiness into his life.
“And I love being able to give back to the animals and volunteers at the SPCA of Luzerne County through our project,” Angelo said. “Our mission is to make a lasting impact on the shelter, while also raising awareness to help all their residents find forever homes.”
Donna Keyes, of Visit Luzerne County, said it was important for her to work on a project that was going to have a long-term impact.
Maggie Farrell, King’s College, said it was a rewarding experience to give back to a community that has provided her and her family with much opportunity.
Trails for Tails has also been dedicating time to showcasing many of the pets at the SPCA of Luzerne County that are looking for their forever homes by sharing pet photos and stories on their group Facebook page.
For more information on the project, as well as volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, email [email protected], or visit the team’s Facebook page @TrailsforTailsLWB.
