In the spirit of March Madness, it’s cats versus dogs as the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) hosts its very first “March Matchness” event from now through the final game of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Kicking off on Saturday, March 23, the shelter competition will loosely follow the men’s tourney schedule. The Susquehanna SPCA champion will be announced on Tuesday, April 9.

March Matchness begins with the Elite Eight – four competitors in both the Canine and Feline conferences. Through each round of play, the public is invited to donate toward an animal, or animals, of their choice. Every dollar donated is equivalent to one point, and a winner will be chosen at the end of each “game” based on points earned.

Susquehanna SPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes said March Matchness is inspired by the success of the Cooperstown Central School boys’ basketball team, which recently won its first Class C state title.

“And if you’re thinking of adding a companion animal to your life, this is a fun way to support the shelter as you find the right match,” Haynes added.

The Elite Eight will go head-to-head March 23-29, followed by a match-up of the “Final Fur” from March 30-April 6. Donations to determine the overall champion will be tallied April 7-8.

The winner of March Matchness will be announced on April 9 via a live Facebook stream. The champion will enjoy special treatment including trips and prizes, and their adoption fee will be waived. In the event that a competitor is adopted during March Matchness, there are four alternates waiting to sub in on each bench.

The Canine Conference first team is Eli, Hamilton, Kahlua, and Reese, with backup from Bella, Ragnar, Rocco, and Stella. Representing the Feline Conference are Buck, Buttercup, Magnus, and Olivia; Emmett, Festus, Pickle, and Zin are waiting in the wings.

To meet the March Matchness team members in person, visit the shelter Tuesday-Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. Photos and information on all 16 animals can be found at https://sqspca.org/available-animals/.

Donations toward March Matchness can be made at the shelter, by mailing in a check, or online through the website, www.sqspca.org. Donors should be sure the name of the animal(s) they are supporting is included with their donation.  Stop by, check out the website or call (607) 547-8111 to learn more.

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In operation since 1917, the Susquehanna SPCA is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit 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