Talbot Humane is celebrating the success of its second annual Bark in the Park, which took place on October 15th at Idlewild Park in Easton. “The dogs and the people they brought out had an absolutely terrific time,” said event chairman John Barron.

Bark in the Park debuted last year and immediately became the organization’s major fundraising effort of the year, along with becoming a popular community event. More than 70 volunteers and staff worked year-round to stage the festival. “I couldn’t be prouder of what we all have accomplished,” Barron added.

While tallies on proceeds from Bark in the Park, including sponsorships and online fundraising, have not been finalized, with donations still being received, both Barron and Talbot Humane Executive Director Patty Crankshaw-Quimby are delighted with the projected increase over last year’s successful event.

Volunteers also participated in the online fundraising effort, with Charlie Petosa and Charles Riter earning Highest Youth Fundraiser and Highest Adult Fundraiser honors, respectively.

About twenty business sponsors, led by Annapolis Volvo, and numerous individuals supported Talbot Humane and Bark in the Park with cash and in-kind donations. Almost $7000 more was raised on site during the event itself.

Not only a fundraising effort, Bark in the Park also was a day of fun for all members of the family. Quimby estimates that about 500 people and 200 dogs came out for the festival, making for what she called a “very entertaining” day.

Family dogs could be entered in both the Dog Walk and Dog Show. The Show offered prizes in categories including tallest and smallest, tricks and costumes, look-alikes, and more. L.P. Palmer and his Yorkshire Terrier, Jake, won both Best Look Alike and Best in Show. Even those without pets could enjoy demonstrations of canine athletes by Agility and Frisbee Dogs, Delmarva DockDogs®, and the Easton Police K-9 Unit.

In addition, the event provided exposure for a number of local animal welfare organizations and opportunities for the public to learn more about animal care.

Queen Anne’s County Animal Services, Dorchester Humane, Halo’s Haven Rescue, Pets on Wheels and Maryland Votes for Animals all were represented, some of them bringing dogs available for adoption to participate in the PAWrade of Adoptable Dogs.

Local veterinarians conducted informal mini-workshops on selected pet-care topics. Participating facilities included Community Animal Hospital, Mid-Atlantic Cat Hospital, Spay Now, Pet Health Clinic, Veterinary Medical Center and All Pets Veterinary Hospital.

Talbot Humane receives no financial support from national animal welfare groups and relies on local community support to maintain its services, making Bark in the Park even more important to the organization, according to Quimby. “I am ecstatic with the day’s results. It was everything we hoped for,” she said, adding, “we are already looking forward to next year.”

For more information, to make a contribution, or to volunteer, call Talbot Humane at 410-822-0107 or visit www.talbothumane.org.

In photo: Charlie Petosa, left, and Charles Riter were the Highest Youth Fundraiser and Highest Adult Fundraiser, respectively, for the Bark in the Park online fundraising effort.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In top photo: L.P. Palmer and his Yorkshire Terrier, Jake, won both Best Look Alike and Best in Show in this year’s Bark in the Park Dog Show.