Local groups team up for Bark in the Park

September 22, 2010

Two local groups are teaming up for two traditional events on Oct. 3
The Humane Society’s annual Bark in the Park and Walk Across Indiana sponsored by the Purdue Extension Office will get man – or woman – and their best friend in shape together as they walk through Centennial Park on that Saturday. The walk will begin at 1 p.m. at Centennial Park starting next to the tennis courts. 
The joint efforts promote walking as a great physical activity for people and dogs of all ages, helping to manage weight and lower risk of heart disease. Walk Across Indiana is sponsored by Consumer Family Sciences -Purdue Extension in partnership with INShape Indiana.
It’s the fourth year of the Humane Society’s fundraiser that brings all sorts of dogs and their owners together for fun, fitness and prizes.
“I love having the event in the park,” said Nancy Cox, Director of the Marshall County Humane Society. “The paved walking trails are great and all the benches where people can just sit and watch if they want. You don’t even have to have a pet to come out if you just want to support the Humane Society.”
Sponsors have made door prizes and special prizes for pets possible.
As in past years judges will be awarding special prizes to the cutest dog, the best costume, the best kisser, the “most roly poly” dog, owner look alike, the best trick, the most handsome male dog, the most vocal dog, the largest and the smallest dog and a special grand prize for the most funds raised for the Humane Society.
The first 40 participants to register for the walk will also receive pedometers compliments of Purdue Extension. Anyone with a pledge total of $25 or more receives a free “Bark IN the Park” T-shirt. The Purdue School of Veterinary Medicine and College of Health and Human Sciences will provide publications for both humans and canines to promote physical well being. For additional information contact: Purdue Extension at 574-935-8545, www.cfs.purdue.edu/extension/news_events/walks_indiana.html [2] or by calling the Marshall County Humane Shelter at 574-936-8300 or on the website at http://www.mchsshelter.org/ [3].
Pledge forms are available at Dairy Queen, Overmyer Water or Parrett Veterinary Clinic.
“If you can’t pick up a pledge form don’t let that keep you from coming out,” said Cox. “We can take care of it all right there the day of the event.”