COOPERSTOWN, NY – Winter slow down? There’s no such thing for the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SQSPCA), where consecutive special weekend events mark the beginning of February!

On Saturday, February 1, artist Marin Shepard will be taking orders for pet portraits from noon to 5 p.m. at the shelter. Those interested just need to bring a photo of their furry friend. The cost is $50 for an 11”x14” painting; 40 percent of all proceeds will be donated to the shelter.

The next day, shelter staff will be on hand again for a 2020 Kitten Bowl VII Party. Doors open from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 2 for this “Su-PURR Bowl” adoption event, during which the SQSPCA will serve up chips, dips, drinks, and FREE adoptions on all cats and kittens.

The Kitten Bowl VII Party is being held in conjunction with Hallmark Channel and the North Shore Animal League. Highlights from this year’s Kitten Bowl, which kicks off at 2 p.m., will be aired at the shelter. Collectible Kitten Bowl playing cards will be distributed compliments of the Hallmark Channel and artist Marin Shepard will return to take orders for animal portraits.

“Whether you’re looking to capture your pet on canvas or looking for your new best friend, the shelter is offering something for everyone this weekend at these family-friendly events,” said SQSPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes.

And while cat and kitten adoptions are free on Sunday in honor of Kitten Bowl, dog lovers shouldn’t feel left out, according to Haynes.

“We have plenty of canine companions eagerly awaiting their forever homes, from shepherds to pitties to pointers,” she added.

Other upcoming events to benefit the SQSPCA are:

• January 30: Animal Trivia Night, 8 p.m., J & D’s Wagon Wheel, 142 Main St., Oneonta

• February 7: Brooks’ BBQ Chicken Dinner, 4:30 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 69 Fair St., Cooperstown

• February 23: Brunch Bingo, 10:30 a.m., Green Earth Health Market, 4 Market St., Oneonta

• February 29: Leap Day Candlelight Hike, 5-8 p.m., Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 Co. Rd. 31, Cooperstown

• March 25: Well Spent Wednesday, Alex’s World Bistro, 149 Main St., Cooperstown

For more information, or to donate, visit https://sqspca.org/, call 607-547-8111, or stop by the shelter Tuesday-Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. at 4841 St. Hwy. 28, Cooperstown.

In operation since 1917, the Susquehanna SPCA is a 501c3 charitable organization committed to caring for homeless, surrendered, and seized companion animals and finding them loving, forever homes. For more information or to donate, visit www.sqspca.org