Local animal shelter to host 16th annual Barkapalooza event

Patriots Park in Downers Grove will go to the dogs at the end of September when the West Suburban Humane Society will host its 16th annual Barkapalooza.

Carolyn Mossberger, executive director of the humane society, said last year’s Barkapalooza raised $66,000 for the organization. This year, the fundraising goal is $75,000.

New to the event this year is the option for participants to create a Barkapalooza fundraising Web page. To register, log on to firstgiving.com/wshs and set up a page. From that point, participants will be automatically entered into a split-the-pot drawing.

“Every $100 raised, that person will receive another ticket for the raffle,” Mossberger said.

Funds raised from the annual event go toward medical attention shelter animals may need, as well as training.

“If any dogs come in with behavioral issues we have a trainer work with them,” Mossberger said.

The dog-friendly event will feature a Pet Expo with pet-focused vendors including the K9 Cookie Company, The Happy Dog Barkery, Mark Pastor Photography, Pet Photos and Whisker Watchers Pet Sitting.

Beth Staley, owner of The Happy Dog Barkery in downtown Downers Grove, said this is the sixth year her business will participate in the fundraiser, offering freshly baked dog cookies.

“This is the best run humane society event out of all the other humane societies around,” Staley said. “The walk is very well organized, and it’s one of our favorite events.”

The Frisbee Sky Dog Team will also perform demonstrations.

The Dog Walkathon portion of the day helps to raise money for homeless pets.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Mossberger said. “That money allows us to offer the care — the medical treatments, the food and shelter — they need until they find their forever home.”

Anyone interested in volunteering Barkapalooza can contact Mossberger at (630) 960-9600.

The volunteer-based West Suburban Humane Society was founded in 1972 as a lost and found referral service. Today, the humane society serves six counties and works to find safe, permanent homes for dogs and cats.

If you go
WHAT The 16th annual West Suburban Humane Society Barkapalooza Dog Walkathon and Expo
TIME 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 27. Event begins with a blessing of the pets.
LOCATION Patriots Park, 55th Street and Grand Avenue, Downers Grove
COST Registration is $10 per adult and children under 12 years old are free
OF NOTE Participants of the Dog Walkathon who raise $100 or more in pledges will have their registration fee waived.