Barkapalooza includes walkathon, activities, plus expo for pet owners

Five hundred humans and about half as many canines are expected to walk, talk and bark in support of the West Suburban Humane Society at the 17th annual Barkapalooza fundraiser in Downers Grove.

While the main event is a walkathon around Barth Pond in Patriots Park that steps off at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, the festival offers information and activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the park, Fairview Avenue and 55th Street, Downers Grove.

"We always start the walk off with adoptable shelter animals," said Carolyn Mossberger, executive director of the West Suburban Humane Society in Downers Grove.

Drawing attention to pets available for adoption gives Barkapalooza a dual mission of informing people about pet adoption and proper pet care while raising money, Mossberger said. The event is the society's most profitable fundraiser of the year, and last year it brought in about $66,000, she added.

"It's sort of like an expo-slash-walk," Mossberger said. "It's a lot of fun for the whole family."

Many participants walk a lap around the pond with their pet and then stop to browse displays set up by dog breed rescue groups, dog-themed retailers and Barkapalooza sponsors including Bark Avenue Daycamp in Bartlett, Mossberger said.

"It's a good way to introduce to dog owners the different services that are there to support them," said Michelle Sarwas, owner of Bark Avenue Daycamp.

At the event, dog and cat owners can get a microchip placed under their pet's fur to help with retrieving the animal if it ever gets lost, Mossberger said. Animal shelters, humane societies and police departments have scanners that can read the pet owner's contact information from the microchip and help reunite man with his best friend, said Janet Storjohann, practice manager for West Suburban Veterinary Associates in Westmont.

Certified veterinary technicians and veterinarians from West Suburban Veterinary Associates will provide the microchipping service for $35, all of which benefits the humane society, Mossberger said.

"We figure it's a good way to give back to the humane society because they do such good work for the homeless animals," Storjohann said.

Dogs and their owners can also participate in a Frisbee dog clinic, a pup scavenger hunt and "What Can Your Dog Do?" games.

"It's a great opportunity to socialize your dog and to meet other animal lovers," Storjohann said.

Face painting, balloon sculptures and food also will be available for two-legged Barkapalooza attendees.

"A lot of other shelters do walkathons," Mossberger said. "A lot of people feel like it's just a dog-related event, but - it (has) more like a fun fall festival feel to it and that's what makes ours different than others."