On Saturday, May 2 more than 3,200 people and 3,000 of their furry friends headed out to Montrose Harbor for The Anti-Cruelty Society’s 15th Annual Bark in the Park. The 5K walk, with or without your dog, was a day of excitement for all.

“We couldn’t have asked for better weather,” Dr. Robyn Barbiers, President of The Anti-Cruelty Society said. “Many people wanted to get out of the house with their dogs and enjoy a fun day in the sun – and Bark in the Park was the perfect opportunity to do so.” Chester, a Cocker Spaniel adopted from The Anti-Cruelty Society, started the race with his owner, Board Member Jerry Hagerty. The days weather was perfect as walkers enjoyed the 3.2 mile course along the lake. “Chester and I have started the walk for several years,” said Jerry. “I even entered him in the cute pet tricks contest and he did pretty well.”

Participants returning from the walk were greeted by human food from our sponsors FUZE, Starbucks, Burrito Beach, Quaker, Stanley’s, Talerico-Martin Bakery and many more. Small Business sponsors offered doggie treats and other goodies for pets and the humans. At the stage, ABC 7’s Hosea Sanders and Roz Varon, Bart Shore from WBBM, and certified dog and cat behavior consultant, Steve Dale—along with their dogs—ran the show, announcing activities and prizes for the day. Congressman Mike Quigley also stopped by to support The Anti-Cruelty Society’s animals in need and announced a few of the raffle ticket winners.

German shepherds Ernie and Mika Kulbeda from Wheaton were the winners of the Cute Pets Trick contest, as the duo sang their competition off the stage. Mia and her owner Kate walked the runway winning the doggie fashion show, while Mr. Magoo and his owner Michael swept the Pet-Owner Look Alike contest. They all won great prizes donated by our generous sponsors. Robin Cember won the 50/50 raffle, winning over $3,000.

Dogs that weren’t competing in the stage activities could be found at the Hawk City K9 agility course or in the Family Fun Tent playing games, stamping paw prints and getting doggie tattoos. Integrative Pet Care warmed up the pups before the walk and Pam Kuehn cooled them down in the spa tent by giving doggie massages. At the same time Juvenesse Spa massaged humans. Kevin Landis drew charity pet portraits for event participants, and Denise Zak, Animal Intuitive, was helping owners find out how much fun their dogs were really having at Bark in the Park, or how happy their cats were having a party at home.

Individuals and teams raised over $70,000. Team Hot Dogs, formed largely by members of local breed enthusiast and social club Chicago Dachshund Lovers, included 49 walkers and 64 dogs. They raised an incredible $12,600 winning the Team Challenge for the third straight year. Organizer Kim Schiro said, “Bark is a wonderful opportunity to help animals in need and we are looking forward to Bark in the Park 16!” Other top pledge teams included “Bosco’s Beasties” who raised over $1,050 and Tru Loft Doggie Lovers Assoociation with $1,045 in pledges.

Our top individual Angie McGrath, raised $2,040, while Cynthia Rodgers was second with $1,510 and JoAnne Linsell was the third top pledger with $1,374. You are all awesome!

In total, Bark in the Park raised $220,000. A huge thank you to our presenting sponsors Hill's Science Diet and PetSmart. Thank you also to ABC-7, Harris Bank and Harris Investment Management, Pepper Construction, Starbucks, FUZE, Quaker, Burrito Beach, Animal ARK, Hotel Allegro, Hawk City K9, Blum Animal Hospital, Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health, all of our small business sponsors, and everyone who helped support Bark in the Park. And last but not least, our wonderful volunteers. We couldn’t do it without them.

All proceeds from Bark in the Park will help The Anti-Cruelty Society’s commitment to caring by continuing to provide an open door to any animal in need and help animals every day.

For information about Bark in the Park 16 on May 1, 2010, please call Emily Ledergerber (312) 644.8338 ext. 319. Or eledergerber@anticruelty.org.