Motorcyclists will rev up their bikes Saturday to raise money for chihuahuas, dachshunds, tea cup poodles and all the dog breeds and mixes who weigh 20 pounds or less.
It's the second Big Hogs for Small Dogs event to be held by Small Dog Rescue of Minnesota, a nonprofit group that specializes in fostering and finding permanent homes for small surrendered or abandoned dogs.
The 155-mile ride will take off at 12:30 p.m. from Boomers Lounge in northwest Rochester. There will be opportunities to meet dogs available for adoption during registration at 11 a.m. and at stops along the route.
After a dinner stop at Tilly's Bar & Grill in Oronoco, the riders return to Boomers for a silent auction, a raffle and music by 5th Street Bridge.
Last year, Big Hogs for Small Dogs raised about $1,000, said Erin Underbakke of Rochester, who has been involved in Small Dog Rescue for two and a half years.
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The rescue group was launched in 2002 by Mary Roubinek, and the organization is now a member of the Rochester Animal Coalition, which was started about a year ago.
"It's a bunch of us rescue (groups) that get together to see what we can do to make a no-kill nation," Underbakke said.
She said that while her group specializes in small dogs, some rescue groups focus on specific breeds and others, like Paws & Claws Humane Society, take in cats and dogs. But all kinds are needed to help homeless pets find loving homes, she said.
Small Dog Rescue has a small leadership team, a board of directors and 78 foster volunteers in Rochester, Minneapolis, Duluth and other locations in the state.
"And we're always looking for fosters. We can't save any dogs' lives unless we get more fosters," she said.
Currently, the organization is fostering 40 dogs who need permanent homes.
For more information, visit www.smalldogsminnesota.org or send email to info@smalldogsminnesota.org .
