Seven Hearts carries on mission to care for pets, feral animals

Dave Sutor, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·1 min read

Mar. 4—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — The recently created Seven Hearts Project will soon hold its fourth free spaying and neutering clinic for pets, bringing the number of cats it has helped to sterilize to almost 100.

Providing that free medical care through the Allegheny Spay and Neuter Clinic is just part of the mission of the Johnstown-based nonprofit that was officially organized in October. Members also help bring in and care for feral animals, look for lost pets, raise funds, and volunteer time with groups that give out free pet food and other supplies.

"In a nutshell, what we're doing is we're helping people helping animals. ... We just want to make a difference in the lives of pets in our community," Seven Hearts Project President Maura McQuaide said.

Much of the focus is on pet owners who have financial challenges caring for animals.

"If we can help people be able to keep their own pets, then maybe we can lessen the amount that are the strays," McQuaide said. "The (feral) cat issue in our area is just horrendous right now. We're just trying to help any way we can."

McQuaide said that since the nonprofit is so new, it cannot yet apply for grants nor use small games of chance to raise funds.

So it is holding a Kick the Keg Fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. March 19 at The Fifth Local Eatery & Alehouse, 1424 Scalp Ave., Richland Township.

The group is also accepting donations at sevenheartsproject.org/donate or through the mail at Seven Hearts Project; 334 Bloomfield St. Suite 101; Johnstown, Pa. 15904.

Interested parties can also add their names to the waiting list for spaying and neutering clinics. All spots in the March 12 event are already filled.