CLEARFIELD – Poison’s drummer, Rikki Rockett, was inducted as an honorary lifetime member of the Mountain Laurel Kennel Club Friday night prior to the group’s sold out concert at the Clearfield County Fair.
He received a club sweatshirt and membership card from President Geremy Kephart, Sandie Walstrom and Poison’s self-described No. 1 fan, Sonya Johnston.
“My heart is beating so fast, I can’t believe it. This is such a thrill, I’ll remember it for the rest of my life,” Johnston said.
Rockett, an ardent animal rights activist, spoke with the contingent about networking with national animal welfare organizations and heightening its public profile to focus more attention on education, spaying and neutering and responsible pet ownership.
“That’s a good base, good areas to promote. Education should always be a top priority,” he said.
Rockett will appear at a puppy mill awareness event in Lancaster next month and encouraged the kennel club to attend for both exposure and education.
“Pennsylvania is the puppy mill capital of the world and its heart is in Lancaster County. We are beginning to make some headway there and it’s working. People are shying away from the disreputable breeders and putting them out of business,” he noted.
Club members said they found the music superstar friendly, down-to-earth and passionate about his cause.
“I am so impressed. He was truly a nice guy and he gave us good advice. The meeting was worth it just for the information alone but he was great. He wanted to talk animals while his assistant and others were motioning him to get ready to go on stage.
“His dedication is deep,” Kephart said.
Rockett, owner of nine rescued dogs and cats, also autographed three compact dics that will be auctioned at the club’s annual Pet Expo Oct. 14 in the Clearfield Driving Park’s Expo II.