Bartlett dog day care sets fundraiser for West Suburban Humane Society

Wet noses and muddy paws will be a welcome sight Saturday, June 6 in Bartlett.

That's where you'll find the first Barkaritaville fundraiser, hosted by the Bark Avenue Daycamp to benefit the West Suburban Humane Society of Downers Grove.

From 1 to 5 p.m., current and prospective pet owners are invited to come to Bark Avenue's facility at 1540 Hecht Road for an afternoon of fun for owners and dogs. Dog owners are encouraged to bring their pets on leashes.

Michelle Sarwas, owner of Bark Avenue, is donating her daycamp to the fundraiser for the event, which will include a live DJ, limbo contest, face painting and live and silent auctions.

Dogs are encouraged to get in on the excitement with events like hot dog relay races, bobbing for hot dogs and special contests such as "best trick" that will be happening throughout the day.

Carolyn Mossberger, director of the West Suburban Humane Society, was eager to work with Bark Avenue on the project.

"It was (West Suburban's) idea," she said. "We wanted to have some sort of a fundraiser in the summer where people could come, bring their kids, bring their dogs and it just kind of seemed like a good fit ... and I've always wanted to do an event called 'Barkaritaville.'"

Admission for the event is $25 for adults, $10 per dog, $15 for kids younger than 12 and free for children 2 and younger. Included in the price of admission are lunch and entry into raffles that will be held periodically throughout the day. There will be additional drinks offered for a small fee.

"It would be nice to see this become an annual event for the (West Suburban Humane Society) that just gets bigger each year," Sarwas said. "We've worked with several humane societies and I would say, to West Suburban's credit, they are hands down one of the best we have seen."

Sarwas has been operating Bark Avenue in Bartlett for the past two years. Her 13,000-square-foot facility offers day care, boarding, grooming and many other services for dogs only.

West Suburban Humane Society uses Bark Avenue as a training facility for its dogs before they are adopted.

"We do a lot of work for (West Suburban), we see the dogs that come in and it's nice to know that we can help to get some money to help take care of them," Sarwas said.

According to Mossberger, West Suburban Humane Society is hoping to raise $15,000 at Barkaritaville to help cover animal care costs.

"We have 20 dogs and 60 cats at any one time and they all need food and medical care," Mossberger said. "The money will be used to care for them until they get adopted."

The Humane Society will also be bringing pets available for adoption to "Barkaritaville."

For details on the West Suburban Humane Society or the Barkaritaville fundraiser, visit wshs-dg.org or call (630) 960-9600. For more information on Bark Avenue Daycamp visit barkavenuedaycamp.com.

<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> Barkaritaville, a fundraiser for the West Suburban Humane Society. Featuring games, food, music, pet adoptions and more; dogs and owners welcome.</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 6</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Bark Avenue Dog Daycamp, 1540 Hecht Road, Bartlett</p> <p class="News"><b>How much?</b> $25 for adults, $15 for children 12 and younger, $10 for dogs. Lunch is included.</p> <p class="News"><b>Call:</b> (630) 960-9600</p>