This year, Bark in the Park, the annual Humane Society of Missouri fundraiser, will become Bark in YOUR Park.
The largest dog walk in the Midwest will go virtual this year due to the pandemic, encouraging dog owners to walk, run or hike with their pets on their own or as part of a team, raising funds along the way.
“We want the community involved in a way that’s most comfortable for them,” said Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO). “It has been a difficult year for everyone, and we wish we could hold this beloved annual celebration in-person for the St. Louis community. However, we’re excited to keep the tradition going virtually this year, bringing Bark in the Park to your park, benefiting the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Fund.”
Warnick said while the organization has had to adapt to the challenges of the pandemic, HSMO is proud to uphold the high standard of care it provides to the animals in its facilities, those in need of rescue, and to animal lovers in the community.
“We’ve been able to continue providing critical care, thanks to our incredible staff of essential workers,” she said. “We also want to thank the volunteers, foster parents and donors for their continued support helping us get through this uncertain and unpredictable time. To be as safe as possible, early in the pandemic we introduced curbside adoptions, tele-vet virtual vet visits and curbside pet prescription pickups. Additionally, with the help of our shelter partner, Purina, we’ve been placing pet food and pet supplies in local food banks to support pet owners in need.”
All proceeds raised from the event, from April 1 to 17, will go to the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Fund. The fund is dedicated to investigating, healing and preventing animal abuse. It also supports HSMO’s efforts to hold animal abusers accountable and stop future neglect.
The Humane Society of Missouri was designated as an essential service and has proven to be an essential service throughout the pandemic in a variety of ways, including the work of its Animal Cruelty Task Force, according to Warnick.
“Just as animals are essential to our lives, support from the community through events like Bark in Your Park is essential to the Humane Society of Missouri,” she said.
Registration for Bark in YOUR Park is now open at hsmo.org/bark.
