Barkapalooza a doggone good time in Lisle

People lined up Sunday in Lisle and paid money to get kissed by a dog.

The Pooch Smooch booth was one of the attractions at the annual “Barkapalooza” event, a fundraiser for the Downers Grove-based West Suburban Humane Society.

“We make sure to find dogs who are good kissers,” volunteer Gail Monick said with a smile. “You have to have dogs willing to give up the goods.”

Dozens of people, most of them with dogs in tow, gathered early Sunday afternoon in Lisle’s Community Park for the 18th annual event. The centerpiece of the day was a pledge walk, in which participants secured pledges for a walk around the park’s three ponds.

The event also included children’s activities, food and a slew of animal vendors and rescue groups.

“It’s our biggest fundraiser,” said Carolyn Mossberger, the society’s executive director. “We also try to make it a fun day for everyone in the family.”

Sunday marked the first time the event was held at Community Park. Previous Barkapaloozas took place in Downers Grove.

Mossberger said she was delighted with the event’s new location.

“We’d simply outgrown the old one,” she said. “Community Park gives us a lot more parking, and just a bigger amount of space to move around in. Everyone seems to be happy with it.”

The West Suburban Humane Society is a volunteer-based animal shelter that provides a home to up to 25 dogs and 60 cats. Many of the animals that come to the shelter have been neglected or abused. The shelter keeps all animals until they are adopted.

Monick, who has volunteered for the humane society for 39 years, said it performs a hugely valuable service.

“I think it’s a wonderful organization, which is why I’ve stayed involved,” she said. “People who aren’t familiar with it should really look into it. They just may find the pet of their dreams there.”