Barkapalooza supports West Suburban Humane Society
Take a walk with your dog and give other dogs - and cats - a leg up on Sunday morning.
The proverbial welcome mat will be rolled out for dogs - and their people - at the West Suburban Humane Society's 24th annual Barkapalooza Sunday, Sept. 24, in Lisle's Community Park.
At 10 a.m., canines, pet parents and fans of dogdom will amble and trot side-by-side to raise money for the Downers Grove volunteer-based animal welfare organization.
"We do one lap around the park, which is about a mile," said Carolyn Mossberger, executive director of the society.
Walkers are asked to collect donation pledges, with prizes awarded for the most pledges collected. Mossberger said mayors Christopher Pecak of Lisle and Martin Tully of Downers Grove will be among the walkers, each strolling with dogs currently available for adoption at the shelter.
Before the walk, Deacon Greg Ouska of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Downers Grove will bless the animals, first as a group and then individually.
The walk is just the beginning. Barkapalooza will present demonstrations, a variety of vendors at the Pet Expo, and special services.
Caricature artists and photographers, outfitted with props such as boas and silly hats, will create pet portraits that visitors may purchase. The cost is four photos for $20.
"All proceeds are donated back to the shelter," Mossberger said.
The event even offers help for pet owners who sense a failure to communicate with their furry friends.
"We have an animal communicator for the first time this year," Mossberger said. "You can ask questions and she'll do a reading of your pet."
For a $20 fee, Linda Reynertson, a Chicago-area communicator, will conduct a 15-minute session. Mossberger said 75 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the shelter.
At 11 a.m., an officer from the Bensenville Police Department will show visitors how specially trained canines help police investigate crime scenes.
"He's going to do an arson dog demonstration," Mossberger said. "I'm not sure how that works, so it'll be interesting to see it."
From 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., face painters, a clown and balloon animal sculptors will entertain. At 12:30 p.m., an agility demonstration will feature a humane society volunteer paired with a shelter alumnus.
Kids can participate in the Pups Scavenger Hunt by searching the park for stuffed animals, some of which will have raffle tickets attached. The raffle winner will be announced at 2 p.m.
Pet supply vendors will be on hand, along with food vendors offering pizza, barbecue dishes and handmade pastries.
Rescue groups - including organizations specializing in breed rescues of basset hounds, Dobermans, Shih Tzus and Shar Peis - will be there, along with the opportunity for visitors to get their pets microchipped for a $35 fee that benefits the humane society.
Mossberger said Barkapalooza is a popular annual event. Pet owners are encouraged to bring leashed dogs that are current on their vaccinations; cat owners are asked to leave their pets home, though the event will include supplies and vendor booths for cat owners.
"We usually have about 500 people in attendance," Mossberger said. "Last year, we raised about $85,000. We use it to take care of the animals we have here."
She said the shelter takes in cats and dogs from animal control agencies that don't have the space or resources to care for them. Animals sometimes come from as far away as Indiana, Oklahoma and Tennessee, often from rural, sparsely populated areas where animals' chances of adoption are not high.
"Last year, we adopted out about 800 animals," she said.
If you go
What: 24th annual Barkapalooza to benefit the West Suburban Humane Society
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24
Where: Community Park, 1825 Short St., Lisle
Admission: Free to attend; $20 fee for walker registration, waived with more than $100 in pledges
Info: (630) 960-9600 or wshs-dg.org