Charitable kids

By Christy Marsters

Falmouth Students Jonathan Chandler, 8, and Tyler Horne, 9, played a few gigs in the area last summer from the back of a van. The young duo, performing under the name Band Dog Rock, finished a summertime tour with $38 and some cents.

The boys saved their earnings until November14, then donated it all to the SPCA.

“We know we’re helping animals and we like helping animals,” says Chandler, the lead guitarist. “We know other animals may die if we never helped them out.”

“When you’re older you should raise money for the SPCA too,” Chandler adds.

Tyler Horne, lead drummer and guitarist, says animals are fun to cuddle and watch and it makes him feel good to help out. “Raising money can be fun, too,” Horne says.

People should help the SPCA if they can, Horne noted. “It’ll make you feel good too.”

“I just really like animals,” Horne adds. “I had three animals come from the SPCA.”

Hants SPCA president Tammy Acker says the these boys made is appreciated. “They’ve set such an example,” Acker says. “They’re heroes. Adults should look up to these children. I think what these boys have done is so awesome.”

More awareness of animals’ plight is needed, Acker noted. “Membership is growing but we always need more … we are finding it difficult to fundraise with a recession.”

A large majority of money raised by the SPCA is used for vet bills, as every animal is checked, needled and spayed or neutered before going to a foster home, Acker said. “This has been a tough year, especially for cats and kittens. Adult cats, of six months or older, we have a harder time finding homes for.”

The most important thing is for people to have pets spayed or neutered when they reach four to six months of age; this will help with the problem, Acker says. “And we could use more foster homes. It breaks our hearts (to put some animals on a waiting list.)”

“We’d appreciate every minute anyone has to give us a hand,” Acker adds.

The boys have agreed to continue playing together in the future and to keep raising money for the SPCA. For further information on donating, boarding or membership with the SPCA, email hantsspca@gmail.com. Call 757–2000 to adopt a cat or 798–4428 to adopt a dog.

Weblinks: www.hantscosp.ca