Harkening back to the days of Route 66 and how Americans used to drive awareness of issues from town to town, “Anthony’s Ride for Shelter Pets” will take Rock & Rawhide volunteer, and Marine Corps Veteran, Anthony L. Ungaro, from New York to Los Angeles on his 2007 Harley-Davidson FXDB Dyna Bob.

Anthony is a 29-year-old Brooklyn native who is combining his love for motorcycle riding with his desire to help animals. He served for eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including a deployment to Iraq during the 2004 Battle of Fallujah, before returning home and finding love with his red-nosed pit bull Donny. According to Ungaro, “I attribute my successful transition from the military to college, to the positive experiences and responsibilities that come with having a pet in the family.”

The current medical student is riding his Harley-Davidson cross-country to help spread awareness about Rock & Rawhide and pet adoption. Anthony’s motorcycle trip will span over 4,000 miles, covering 14 states. He will start out in New York City and ride to Los Angeles, California from July 30th – August 14th.

He will be stopping at the following Petco stores to meet local animal shelters where he will deliver toys, treats and supplies on behalf of Rock & Rawhide. He will meet with local press to discuss the importance of supporting the shelters, with some adoptable animals on-hand for their close-up.

Lead sponsors include Petco Foundation, Elvis Duran and the Morning Show and Shoei Premium Helmets. Supporting sponsors include Natural Balance Pet Foods, KONG Company, 2 Dogs Treats, Benebone, Lauren + Vanessa and more.

NEW YORK
Media Kick-Off: Monday July 28th at 10am
Petco Union Square, 860 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

MICHIGAN
Thursday July 31st at 5pm
Petco Sterling Heights, 13701 Lakeside Circle, Sterling Heights, MI 48313

SOUTH DAKOTA
Monday August 4th at 10am
Petco Rapid City, 1713 Eglin Street, Rapid City, SD 57703

UTAH
Friday August 8th at 3pm
Petco Fort Union, 1090 Fort Union Blvd, Midvale, UT 84047

CALIFORNIA
Tuesday August 12th at 10am
Petco La Brea, 200 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Rock & Rawhide aims to increase adoptions and quality of life for dogs and cats in shelters, by providing distraction therapy and noise/stress reduction through the donations of toys, tough chew items, Kongs, Nylabones, bones, rawhides, blankets and more. If a dog is chewing, it’s not barking! If a cat is playing, it’s not meowing! Less noise = less stress. In turn, dogs and cats can pass their evaluations at shelters, and show more of their personality, making them more adoptable. We collect items through regular donations, music gigs, visual art shows, culinary events, DJ events, drop box programs, and more.

For more info, go to www.rockandrawhide.org