Otis is a pit bull that lives outside. His owners are too busy to take care of him, so they keep him in the backyard to fend for himself. The blistering sun leaves Otis severely dehydrated, panting and crawling around in search of water. He is fed only once a day out of a dirty water bowl. His ribs are protruding from starvation. A pronged collar breaks his flesh leaving deep wounds. Otiss story is just one instance of animal abuse that occurs in Chicago. Chicago alone receives more than 70,000 calls a year regarding animal abuse. About 65% of these animal abuse incidents involve dogs. Our staff at Chicagos Anti-Cruelty Society (ACS) works tirelessly to educate the community about animal issues owning, caring for, respecting animals as well as rescuing animals like Otis who experience neglect or abuse. ACS is Chicagos largest private, non-profit humane society, accommodating 12,000 animals a year. To help combat animal abuse and keep our organization running, we host our annual 5K fundraiser, Bark in the Park. This May marks the 20 th annual Bark in the Park which will bring in more than 5,000 dogs and owners from the Chicagoland area. This 3.2 mile trail loops around Montrose Harbor, offering a beautiful view of Lake Michigan and plenty of space for dog-friendly activities. For 20 years now, pups and their owners have enjoyed exercising in the warm weather to save animals in several areas throughout the Chicagoland. We host several fundraisers a year, but Bark in the Park remains the largest and most successful fundraiser to date. Last years Bark in the Park brought in over $10,000. Guy Smith, our cat ambassador and social media monitor, has been working with the ACS for 10 years now. This is his eighth time participating in Bark in the Park. Even if you dont have a canine friend at home, you can still walk. Even if you have a cat, you should walk on behalf of them and support the cause, Smith says.
Where is your money going? (http://www.barkinthepark.org/corporate.html) Adoption pet fees Low or no-cost spay/neuter surgeries Cruelty investigation and rescue Dog training classes Free behavior hotline Humane education (including our Veterinary Mentoring program in partnership with the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine) Charity veterinary clinics Pet visits to nursing homes and hospitals Pet first aid classes Animal-related seminars
Fundraising Vice President of Development and Public Relations Nadine Walmsley says, Every little bit that we receive goes towards keeping our doors open 365 days a year, seven days a week. Giving a little goes a long way. Here is a breakdown of the costs (http://www.barkinthepark.org/info.html): $50-$99 Provides roughly 70 lbs. of food for the animals for 2 weeks $100-$299 Provides one week of shelter care for 4 animals $300-$499 Provides rabies vaccines for 100 animals $500-$999 Provides one week of cruelty investigations $1000-$2,499 Provides spaying or neutering for 50-100 animals
Event Details When: The event kicks off Saturday, May 3 at the Montrose Harbor. Registration takes place from 7 to 10 a.m. at the marked red tents set up by the lakeshore. The event will conclude at 12 p.m. Who: Runners will begin at 9 a.m. Only humans may participate in the running portion. Everyone including dogs is invited to walk the 5K which begins at 9:15 a.m. Prices: The entry fee is $35 in advance, $40 the day of the event and $15 for children 12 and under. Extra fun: Participants can enjoy dog agility courses, pet massages, a nail clipping spa, souvenir photo booths, free product samples from sponsors, food, raffles and more. For more information, please contact the ACS Events Office at (312) 645-8006 or events@anticruelty.org.