Organizers were a bit nervous watching the torrential downpours last Friday, but Saturday morning was bright and sunny for the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County’s fourth annual Bark in the Park fundraiser. The ground was soggy but tails were wagging as pups strutted on parade alongside their favorite humans who were raising funds to help out the county’s many homeless animals.
The park was the happiest place on earth for at least 5,000 attendees whose dogs pranced and barked through a multitude of exciting activities – including an agility course, a high-speed lure chase, several competitions, including the dog parade and a “wiener dog” race – and basically sniffed the day away.
The crowd laughed and applauded as the athletic dogs from Disc-Connected K-9’s brought Frisbee catching to a whole new level, while pups on the sidelines chomped at the bit to get into the ring.
The event is organized by the HSVBIRC Yuppie Puppies, who each year incorporate a new event to thrill the canine-friendly crowd. This year it was the Ultimate Air Dock Jumping Dogs who made impressive dives into a large inflatable pool. Many humans had to restrain their pooches from diving into the action, but could do little to stem their enthusiasm as the dogs yapped and twirled in circles from the excitement.
Pet-related vendors circled the perimeter of the park offering pet IDs, free photos and unique canine couture. Food vendors also offered delicious food truck offerings to the humans and several tents kept treats on hand for the pups.
Although the event centered on canines, the HSVBIRC also brought three kittens along with a dozen dogs from the shelter seeking to be adopted. Seven out of the dozen pups found their forever homes and were able to go home that afternoon with their new families.
“She has that face,” said Andrea Roberts as she filled out paperwork to adopt Pixie, an adorable little Yorkie and Chihuahua mix. “She gave me that look. I adopted my other dog from H.A.L.O. after he gave me that look too and he was perfect, I love him.”
Roberts let out a huge “Yay!” and hugged volunteer Sue Kelly when she was told that she could take Pixie home that very day.
Families walked around “test-driving”the other adoptees to see if they had a compatible temperament to match their lifestyle and make sure both sides would be happy with the adoption. HSVBIRC volunteers were on hand to tell them about the animals and what to expect with the particular breeds.
Steve Smith chairs the Yuppy Puppies committee, a team of 10 volunteers who came up with the local Bark in the Park concept as a fundraising and awareness effort.
“Our main focus here is to raise awareness about the shelter and what we do,” said Smith. “What we really want to do is educate people about spaying or neutering their pets. That is so important. We also want to let them know about our wellness clinic too which helps out people who cannot afford medical treatments or their vaccinations.”
Attendees repeatedly said that this was one of their favorite events of the year – and why not? What possibly could be better than playing with hundreds of dogs and giving our furry friends the time of their lives?
