DUNCAN —
Despite the chilly weather, the 7th annual Bark in the Park Saturday in Fuqua Park was another red hot success according to its organizers.
Hundreds of pooches and their owners flooded the park as they joined in all the festivities and visited the several vendor booths. All funds raised go to the operating expenses of the Stephens County Humane Shelter.
“It covers their vet care, the building’s maintenance and helps make the animals healthier for adoption,” said Pattie Whitaker, event chair. “We are pleased with the turnout and it’s a beautiful fall day.”
Several sign-ups were available for contests including Best Pet Costume, Best Owner Look-a-Like, Best Trick, Best Bark and Longest Tail. Each contest required a fee, which helped raise funds.
A competitor in the Best Trick contest was Coby, a former Humane Society dog, with his owners Pam and Alli Spurlock.
Coby captured the audience’s attention by jumping through hoops on command.
“He learned everything really quick, it takes about a week for him to learn a trick,” said Pam.
The winners received a goodie bag of prizes.
“This is not possible without all the local businesses who donate prizes and are sponsors,” said Whitaker.
One of the biggest changes for the event this year is that it had an underwriter, which made it possible for every single penny raised to go directly to the shelter.
Kelsey Avants with Edward Jones was the Best of Show sponsor.
Additionally, some fundraisers were help prior to the event such as one at Freedom Lanes where they hosted a Bark in the Park skate-a-thon.
It raised $1,500 to put toward the $40,000 goal.
However, the main goal was to get some of the dogs adopted and a few were, such as Perry the chihuahua.
Several volunteers walked the dogs available for adoption around the park to try to catch they eye of potential owners.
“I volunteered through an organization at school,” said Allison Cox. “It’s a good way to volunteer and it’s fun.”
Friends of the Humane Society were also out in full force with their several booths. Their annual bake sale was again successful from the start of the event.
“It’s wonderful, people have been so generous with the baked goods,” said Betty Burk, president of the Friends. “The selling has been going really well.”
The funds for their bake sale, hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy go to several causes, especially their Spay/Neuter Certificate program.
These certificates are free and can be used at any of the participating local veterinary clinics for a discounted spay or neuter of a cat or dog.
Local News
Related Photos
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Pam Spurlock holds a hoop out for her pooch Coby during the Best Trick contest at Bark in the Park. Rebeka Rutledge/The Duncan Banner
Park full of chilly dogs
Bark in the Park attendees fill Fuqua
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