Attended last year by over 3,200 fans, Bark in the Park is an annual tradition created to raise funds and awareness for The Anti-Cruelty Society's programs and services.
More than 3,500 walkers, most joined by their canine companions, are expected to congregate at this year's event at Montrose Harbor, 4400 north at the lake, east of Lake Shore Drive in Lincoln Park.. The 3.2 mile (5K) walk, which begins at 9 a.m. Festivities include Denise Zak, Animal Intuitive, Hawk City K9 agility demonstrations, doggie massage, a dog/owner look-alike contest, cutest pet tricks and even a doggie fashion parade. Cat owners can make a pin to show their love to their cat's that can't attend this dog friendly event.
An exclusive dedication of the U.S. Postal Service's new Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet stamps (issued on April 30th) will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the stage. This is especially fitting for this great event that brings together thousands of adopted shelter dogs and celebrates the relationship we have with our companion animals as well as bringing awareness to the fact that there are hundreds of cats and dogs waiting in shelters across Chicagoland and millions in the country waiting to be adopted by loving families.
At 10:50 a.m., we will attempt to break the Guinness Book world record for sit, stay. More than 1,500 dogs will be needed to participate to sit or lay and stay for 3 minutes.
Sponsored by ABC7, Hill's Science Diet, PetSmart and Harris Investment Management, Bark in the Park is made possible due to the generosity of Starbucks, Stanley's Fruit & Vegetables, Hinckley Springs and many more corporate sponsors and individual supporters.
For a glimpse of last year's walk, along with registration and pledge forms, prospective participants are invited to visit barkinthepark.org. For more information call the Bark in the Park hotline at 312-329-8726. Advance registration is $25 for adults, $20 for children 12 and under, dogs and children under 3 are free. Walkers may register and raise funds on line. Pre-registration and packet pick-up will take place at the Society's Education & Training Center, 169 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, Thursday and Friday, April 22nd and 23rd, Noon - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 24th, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Since 1899 The Anti-Cruelty Society has provided any open door for any animal in need. Chicago's oldest and largest open-admission, unlimited stay, humane society is building a community of caring by helping pets and educating people. The Society helps more than 50,000 animals and humans each year through: adoption, low or no-cost spay/neuter, cruelty investigation and rescue, humane education/community outreach programs, a free behavior hotline, dog training classes, the Bruckner Rehabilitation & Treatment Center, the Virginia Butts Berger Cat Clinic, charity veterinary clinic and short-term accommodations for emergencies. For more information, please call (312) 644-8338 or visit www.anticruelty.org
