VERO BEACH — Riverside Park is usually off-limits to dogs, but on Saturday, hundreds of local dogs, along with their companions, gathered in the park legally for the first ever Bark in the Park. Sponsored by the Yuppie Puppies, made up of young (either in age or to Vero Beach) Indian River County professionals who support the Humane Society through promotion and fund raising, the event attracted a variety of breeds for a day of doggie fun.
Activities included an agility course, demonstrations by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit, a Frisbee demonstration by the Disc-connected K9s, as well as doggie adoptions.
The overcast sky and occasional drizzling rain did not dampen the canine carnival atmosphere, complete with live music, hot dogs, hamburgers, barbeque, soft pretzels, and shaved ice. Vendors donated 15 percent of their profit to the Humane Society.
Humane Society volunteers handed out leashes and bandanas as the dog parade began, sounding like what Humane Society volunteer Kevin Bowlus described as “a stampede of longhorn cattle.” Several dogs had to exit the parade early because the excitement was overwhelming.
Bruiser, a black and white Great Dane/Bull Mastiff mix, was dressed in a calico skirt.
“She was overloaded at first, but now she’s having a great time,” said her human, Shaina Dobbs. “She wears the skirt, so people know she’s a girl.”
Tiffany Wiles, a member of the Yuppie Puppies, brought her 7-year-old daughter, Zoe, and her tiny 10-month-old Yorkshire Terrier, Chompers.
“We had to leave the parade early,” said Wiles. “Chompers was barking too much. This is his first time in a big crowd.”
“We saw the Frisbee dogs,” said Vero Beach resident Stacey Fredericks, owner of Hunter, an exuberant black Labrador Retriever left at home because of all the excitement. “We got him a Frisbee.”
“All the dogs are so well-behaved,” said her husband, Chris.
“I only wish our dog was this well-behaved,” said Stacey.
Matthew Donath, 9, brought his Boglen Terrier, Beamer (“after the car”), who participated in the agility course.
“She did hurdles, ran through the tunnels, and from side to side,” said Donath, who enjoyed the cotton candy. “She did well.”
The crowd was enthralled with the Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit demonstration. Deputies showed the crowd how valuable the German Shepherds are to law enforcement, especially for sniffing out illegal drugs (their sense of smell is a thousand percent stronger than humans), as well as protecting their officers. The dogs demonstrated their obedience and attack abilities.
“Dogs are scarier than the cops if you’re a bad guy,” said the deputy.
Brad Pfennig, a member of the Yuppie Puppies, was thrilled with the crowd.
“It’s a great turn out for a first time event. Next year will be even better,” promised Pfennig, who credited Co-Chairs Steve Smith and Michelle Servos for putting on such a great event.
Humane Society Development Director Tim Swift complimented the City of Vero Beach.
“The city was very enthusiastic about this event,” Swift said. “We never heard the word ‘no’ once. It has been a pleasure working with (Recreation Director) Rob Slezak.”
The event raised more than $15,000, with all proceeds going to the Humane Society.
