Wag your tail and kick-start your engine.

The third annual Ride for Paws Motorcycle Ride & Show held by the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia took off Saturday morning at Gainesville Motor Sports.

The idea to raise money for animals at the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia came from a woman who used to work with the Humane Society and who loved motorcycles.

Registration for the event was $25 per rider to ride, or $25 per bike to show. Participants could enter the ride and show for $40 for both. The event also included food vendors, a door prize and a raffle.

Julie Edwards, Director of Development and Marketing at the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia, said there were about 50 entries with some motorcycles including two riders.

"This is something that is fun and a little different," Edward said. "There are a lot of people who like to come cycle in the mountains, and a lot of people have pets and love their animals."

A special component of this year's event was the bike show, which has never been held before.

Steve Holcomb, service manager at Gainesville Motor Sports, was showing off his 2002 Harley Davidson Softail.

Holcomb, who believes the Ride for Paws helps get people involved with the community, does not have a dog or cat at home. However, he lives on a farm full of other animals.

"Something simple like this can really make a difference," Holcomb said. "This makes people aware of animals and their rights."

Edwards said adoptions are a little slow at the Humane Society, which she attributes to the time of year.

"It is summer, and people are getting ready to go back to school. But we actually adopted eight animals yesterday, which was awesome," Edwards said.

The Humane Society is holding two adoption specials through the end of August to find good homes for some of its adult animals.

The regular adoption fee is $100 per animal. Right now, large adult dogs are $50 and all cats and kittens are two for $100.

"Adult animals are typically harder to adopt because people come in and want to get the cute puppies and the cute kittens," Edwards said. "But the adult animals are great because a lot of them already have some training and are housebroken. They are a little easier to deal with - you don't have to go through the chewy stage with them."

The Humane Society will hold rabies and wellness clinics from 8:30 a.m. to noon Aug. 14 at the Walmart in Oakwood and Aug. 28 at Tailwaggers.

The Dog Days Golf Tournament follows on Oct. 11.

Edwards said the Humane Society is always looking for volunteers, especially administrative volunteers who can help come out to events on the weekend.

"Anyone who has a skill, we will put to work," Edwards said. "If you want to come out and work with animals, you can walk the big dogs and puppies and socialize with the cats and kittens."

To volunteer, call 770-532-6617.