Batavia Park District offers new Pet Memorial Program

The Batavia Park District recognizes that many people consider their pet to be part of their family. Now you will be able to commemorate the life of your beloved pet by purchasing a granite, engraved brick through the district's new Pet Memorial Program.

The program will be officially launched at the Walk & Wag 3K-9 event Saturday, May 9, at West Main Community Park, 40W101 W. Main St. The event will consist of the unveiling of a bulldog statue that will serve as the base for the Pet Memorial Program at the Bark Park. Following the unveiling, attendees can participate in a 1.8 fun walk with their four-legged friends.

Registration for the fun walk will begin on-site at 9 a.m. The cost is $5 per person ages 13 and older and $5 for each dog. The first 50 individuals or families to register will receive a complimentary "Wag Bag" full of goodies. Every dog registered will receive a gift courtesy of the district.

A variety of pet vendors, including DePauw University, Animal House Veterinary Hospital and Passionate Petsitters, will be on-site distributing freebies and samples throughout the event.

Participants also will have an opportunity to purchase a granite brick to commemorate or celebrate the life of a past or present pet. The cost is $100, which includes engraving of the brick, up to three lines of 13 characters and spaces, as well as installation. The memorial bricks will eventually be placed around the base of the bulldog statue inside the Bark Park.

The Batavia Parks Foundation is a proud supporter of the district's new Pet Memorial Program.

For more information about the new program, call the Batavia Park District at (630) 879-5235 or visit www.bataviaparks.org.