'Bark In the Park' Success Despite Rain
By: Sophie Nielsen-Kolding WMBD/WYZZ TV
Updated: October 16, 2012
PEORIA- Peoria's riverfront was full the barks and howls of everything from tiny pooches to huge hounds. All taking part in the Peoria Humane Societies annual 'Bark in the Park.'
Peoria has a lot of dog owners and this is the one time a year they can all get together to show some puppy love. 'Bark in the Park' the Humane Societies biggest annual fundraiser.
Owners paid to register their pet, then they could compete in everything from best vocal duet, to best trick, to most tail wags per minute.
Deirdre Murphy joined hundreds of other dog owners with her three dressed up dogs.
"Jesse's almost 14 and she's definitely protector, and batman here and Spiderman with us so we're very well protected today," Murphy said.
Jordan Sarver said he brings his pups every year.
"We like to support the Humane Society, like to hang out with other dogs, see everybody," Sarver said.
Kitty Yanko from the Peoria Humane Society said people like Sarver and Murphy are a big help.
"We have a lot of animal lovers in Peoria so without their support, we really can't do the work that we do, which is help to provide low cost spay and neuter, emergency care for animals that are injured," Yanko said.
There were also booths to help out owners with cheap deals on dog food, a raffle and puppies ready for adoption.
"You know you put a lot of time and effort into your dogs and they love you back. Fun companion," Sarver said.
Fun for man and man's best friend.
"Just having a good time. Just out with the dogs you know, getting in time to socialize and enjoying the Peoria riverfront," Murphy said.
Sarver called it a kind of "Woodstock for Dogs."
The Peoria Humane Society hoped to raise at least $50,000 Sunday. That money helps them out until next year's 'Bark in the Park.'
Peoria has a lot of dog owners and this is the one time a year they can all get together to show some puppy love. 'Bark in the Park' the Humane Societies biggest annual fundraiser.
Owners paid to register their pet, then they could compete in everything from best vocal duet, to best trick, to most tail wags per minute.
Deirdre Murphy joined hundreds of other dog owners with her three dressed up dogs.
"Jesse's almost 14 and she's definitely protector, and batman here and Spiderman with us so we're very well protected today," Murphy said.
Jordan Sarver said he brings his pups every year.
"We like to support the Humane Society, like to hang out with other dogs, see everybody," Sarver said.
Kitty Yanko from the Peoria Humane Society said people like Sarver and Murphy are a big help.
"We have a lot of animal lovers in Peoria so without their support, we really can't do the work that we do, which is help to provide low cost spay and neuter, emergency care for animals that are injured," Yanko said.
There were also booths to help out owners with cheap deals on dog food, a raffle and puppies ready for adoption.
"You know you put a lot of time and effort into your dogs and they love you back. Fun companion," Sarver said.
Fun for man and man's best friend.
"Just having a good time. Just out with the dogs you know, getting in time to socialize and enjoying the Peoria riverfront," Murphy said.
Sarver called it a kind of "Woodstock for Dogs."
The Peoria Humane Society hoped to raise at least $50,000 Sunday. That money helps them out until next year's 'Bark in the Park.'
