FAYETTEVILLE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The annual Little Moe 5K is being run at the Green Lakes State Park. This walk or run helps raise money for a nonprofit farm animal sanctuary and education center.
Little Moe was one of 14 wild ponies rescued by the Central New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and delivered to the refuge. While he unfortunately passed only a week after making it to the shelter, his impact left a legacy that led to a 5K being named in his honor.
Ellen Beckerman, the executive director of the sanctuary, said that there is nothing better than seeing an animal find themselves once they are rescued.
“The best part of taking in an animal who has been abused or neglected is seeing them open up to the world,” she said. “They begin to trust those around them and then their personality really shines through.”
At Green Lakes State Park, families and their four-legged friends are running or walking to raise money for The Haven at Skanda.
While at the CNYSPCA, employees are tending to as many animals as possible. Whether that’s dogs, cats, cows, or rabbits, every species deserves proper care.
Director of the shelter, Troy Waffner, emphasized the importance of nursing animals back to health so they can have a second lease on life.
“At some point you can tell these dogs and cats all had families somewhere, and all they want to do is be loved, which is a basic tennant of humans too,” he said. “The idea they might need a little more training or some manners, that’s the easiest thing to deal with, cause you’ll get unbridled love from these animals once you get them into their own.”
Waffner also said that the CNYSPCA took in 100 animals in the past month. They take in all animals from different backgrounds.
Whether an owner just couldn’t handle having them or the animal was abused and neglected, the goal is always to nourish them back to full health and get them to a new forever home.
To learn more or donate to the Little Moe 5K, follow this link.
If you wish to learn more about the CNYSPCA, follow this link.
