Wednesday, April 28, 2004

Bark in the Park set for May 1

The Fayette County Humane Society will host its seventh annual Bark in the Park Pledge Walk Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Fayetteville’s McCurry Park. The day’s events offer animal lovers and their dogs the opportunity to have some fun together as they walk a half-mile loop around the park to raise funds for the Humane Society.

In addition to the walk, the day’s festivities will include demonstrations in dog and cat care, CGC testing, pet vendor booths and a doggie fun zone, featuring a race track and obstacle course. There will be contests for Best Owner/Best Dog Look-a-Like, Best Fetch, Best Bark, Best Trick and Best Costume. Participants also may spin the “Lucky Wheel” for a chance to win prizes.

Walk participants may gather pledges and walk in recognition of their favorite animal friend. One grand prize will be awarded to the participant turning in the top pledge, and there will be more chances for everyone to win. Donation pledges may be submitted until 3 p.m. for the Grand Prize. Participants who turn in pledges of $25 to $100, as well as $100 or more, will be eligible for drawings for other prizes.

There is a $15 minimum registration donation per family, which includes one free Bark in the Park T-shirt. Additional shirts may be purchased while supplies last. Checks should be made payable to the Fayette County Humane Society.

Bark in the Park registration and contests begin at 10 a.m. at the picnic area of McCurry Park, rain or shine. The walk around a paved, half-mile loop near the picnic area begins at 11:30 a.m. The park is located on McDonough Road (Truett Cathey Highway).

All proceeds from the day’s events benefit the community’s homeless animals. The Fayette County Humane Society, incorporated in 1974, is the oldest humane society in the community and is the only local organization providing spay/neuter assistance to any pet owner on request as funds permit. The all-volunteer organization’s services include animal rescue and foster care for animals in need of a home prior to adoption. This care includes testing, vaccinations and spay/neuter surgery. These are only a few of the services offered by the Humane Society, which is not affiliated with local Animal Control. Each Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. the Society hosts pet adoptions at the Fayetteville PETsMART.

The many services offered by the Humane Society were demonstrated recently as volunteers rescued seven puppies found abandoned behind a local car dealership. A member of the cleaning staff found the puppies on a cold, windy night and alerted the Society, which picked them up. A local veterinarian checked the puppies’ health and they were placed in foster homes until they could be adopted. One of the foster “moms” named the adorable cocker spaniel/Labrador retriever mix puppies in honor of the dealership which led to their rescue: Ford, Henry, Taurus, Windstar, Fiesta, Mustang and Lincoln. Five were adopted into loving homes a few days later and two found homes the following Saturday.

Fiesta, a 10-week old cocker spaniel/Labrador retriever mix puppy found abandoned with her six littermates, is one of hundreds of animals, which benefited from the Fayette Humane Society programs this year. Photo/Special.