It's hard to believe that the annual Bark in the Park 5K walk is in its 15th year. The walk, which does not necessarily require a canine buddy to participate, raises funds and awareness for the Anti-Cruelty Society, Chicago's comprehensive, open-door humane society. This year the walk takes place on Saturday, May 2 with a 9 a.m. start at Montrose Harbor. After wandering a 5K course along the shore of Lake Michigan (BYOPB – bring your own plastic bags to pick up any deposits Murphy might make along the way), dogs can participate in canine obstacle and agility courses while their human counterparts can observe demonstrations, exhibits and have some fun in the arts & education tent. Both the four-legged and two-legged can participate in contests involving prizes, enjoy free product samples (just be careful not to confuse dog- and human-intended samples!) from small business sponsors, free snacks and souvenir photos.
You can register online today. Adults are $25; children are $20. Participants are encouraged to raise funds through pledges; the participant with the most pledges wins round-trip airline tickets. Proceeds help to find homes for thousands of animals, spay and neuter animals for low or no cost, conduct cruelty and abuse investigations, and provide rehabilitation and treatment to animals in need, among other worthy activities.
Pre-registration and packet pick-up takes place at The Anti-Cruelty Society (169 W. Grand Ave., 312-329-8726) on Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24 from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
