Growing up in southeastern Pennsylvania, Ron Storms lived with his mother, grandmother, and his handicapped aunt. Ron developed an appreciation and compassion for those who were disabled from an early age.
Storms also says he loved dogs for as long as he can remember. “They’re my children” he described, saying he’s raised dogs for as long as he can remember.
In 2013, Ron relocated to Lincoln City, Oregon where he volunteered with the White Wolf Sanctuary, where he was able to live on-site and assist in the care of wolves.
It was shortly after his relocation to the west coast that Ron met a woman named Meghan Shreiner. They both bonded over their mutual appreciation for animals, particularly dogs. It was then that Storms told Shreiner he wanted to cycle across America and help raise awareness and money for a group called Canine Partners For Life.
Canine Partners For Life is a national organization dedicated to training service dogs, home companion dogs, and residential companion dogs, to assist individuals who have a wide range of physical and cognitive disabilities.
Shreiner just happened to be good with tech, and told Ron that she could help him promote and organize his trip.
After four years of planning, Ron’s adventure began this summer. A cycling trek from Lincoln City, Oregon to his hometown of Chochranville, Pennsylvania with his Meghan and his dogs, Onyx and Phoenix. Storms says that Onyx was the dog that helped him with the idea four years ago, so their journey was titled “Onyx’s Great Adventure.”
The dogs take turns riding in a cart that Ron tows behind his bike while the other stays in the truck that’s being driven by Meghan. They display signs, talk to local media, and meet complete strangers along the way to help get their word out about Canine Partners For Life.
Late last week Onyx’s Great Adventure rolled into Wyoming, near Jackson. They spent a couple of days in Dubois, saying they loved the charm of the community. Another couple of days were spent in Riverton, before they departed to Shoshoni, and Casper where they’ll spend some time early this week.
The group posts regularly on their Facebook page, and says while the rugged mountain terrain was difficult to get through, the windy Wyoming plains might be even more difficult.
Follow Onyx’s Great Adventure On Facebook
More About Canines Partners For Life
