The answer was a resounding “Woof!” to anyone who asked, “Who let the dogs out?” at the 10th annual Bark in the Park at Riverside Park to benefit the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County.
Organizers estimated that more than 2,000 canine companions, and some 10,000 of their human contemporaries, were in attendance. Great Danes towered over Chihuahuas, and regal Irish Setters looked down their long noses in amusement as pit-bull pups frolicked with newfound friends, leaves, and perhaps a butterfly or two.
There was plenty for everyone to do – two- and four-footed alike. Pups quickly turned their attention to showing their speed and agility on the lure course, prancing in the dog parade and costume contest, leaping into the pool from the Ultimate Air Dock and creating paw art as they traipsed across paper.
Crowds were amazed by tricks performed by the Disc-Connected K9’s World Famous Frisbee Dogs, demos by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office K-9’s and, new this year, the Puppy Pals Comedic Stunt Dog Show, rescued dogs that showed what animals can do when given guidance.
Dog-centric vendors informed about animal rescue nonprofits, local veterinarians, animal photography and paraphernalia, fencing options, pet spas and boarding.
The day, according to Kate Meghji, HSVBIRC executive director, was all about “celebrating our pets and bringing our community together. It’s a way to see the joy these amazing dogs bring to people and feel the importance of those relationships.”
Although she goes home at the end of the event, happily covered with drool and dog hair, Meghji said, “It’s the best feeling. It helps remind us of why we do the work that we do. To help save animals, because we know that they can be loved and have wonderful lives.”
The Humane Society provides humane care and shelter to homeless animals, places adoptable pets in loving homes, and promotes spaying and neutering and responsible pet ownership.
Meghji said during the pandemic, they shifted their focus toward improving access to veterinary care in underserved parts of our community. Rather than having families surrender their pets, she explained that they work with other nonprofits to help owners access the care they need.
“Why take a pet from a family that loves it and try to find it a new home, when we can simply help that family keep their pet?” asked Meghji.
“Whether it’s providing food, veterinary care or short-term housing while someone is going through a transition, I think the future of animal welfare really is about helping pet owners keep their pets for the long haul, so that the shelter piece is there for the animals who need it the most and who need a little more care,” Meghji explained. “The animals that are coming in right now are mostly stray or surrendered for reasons that we can’t ameliorate.”
With more people staying home during the pandemic, they were able to take those animals in, said Meghji. She added that having foster families take the time to socialize and get to know the animals better helped with more effective placement.
At one point recently, Meghji said, there was only one cat available for adoption in the shelter.
“Because we were able to reset our population by getting a lot out at the beginning [of the pandemic], we’ve been able to maintain a healthy, lower-level population. That’s a great problem to have.”
The Humane Society has also worked more closely with overcrowded shelters elsewhere, anticipating needs, helping them to prepare for displaced animals after storms, and providing them with a place to send their animals when needed.
On March 14, the Humane Society will host its annual Cause for Paws gala at Oak Harbor. For more information, visit hsvb.org.
Photos by Kaila Jones
