5K-9 Bark in the Park has Paw-some Turnout Once Again

Dogs of all shapes and sizes came out to Harry Wright Lake for the second  annual 5K-9/Bark in the Park Event, held on Sunday, May 18th.  Dogs and their owners could participate in the 5K or mile race, visit with local vendors, and enjoy the beautiful weather with their canine friends.  The event was a combined effort by American Rescue Dog and the Lakehurst-Manchester Rotary Club. 

"Once again, we had an amazing turnout at the 5K-9 Bark in the Park," said Joe Jennings, American Rescue Dog founder.  "Dogs and people alike were having a great time.  We are already looking forward to next year!"  American Rescue Dog rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes puppies and dogs from shelters, rescue groups, backyard breeders, puppy mills and owners that can no longer care for their pets.  "Through the fundraising efforts of the race participants, we were able to raise over $5,000 for the dogs."

According to Councilman Brendan Weiner who chaired the Bark in the Park, “An event of this magnitude could not have been so successful without the support of the community and our sponsors.” Councilman Weiner went on to say, “I want to express my gratitude to all those who were part of this event. The Rotary’s share of money raised from this event will go directly back to our community to provide scholarships to Manchester High School students and to help fund local charities.”

The Top Female and Male finishers in the 5K race were Noel Whitall at 17:43 and Mark Mellea at 19:16.  Megan Drapkin and her dog fetched Top Female with Dog spot, finishing at 20:41, while Gordon Johnson  won Top Male with Dog at 22:15.   For the mile race, Donald Johnson took Top Male and  Erin Rhinesmith was Top Female. Dillon Boyle and his dog were first in the Male with Dog category, and Kayleigh Munt  and her dog were top Female and Dog.  Team "Big Bad Woof" took home the team challenge top fundraising prize for raising $2,025.

About American Rescue Dog

American Rescue Dog is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to dog rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, community education and improving the quality of animal/human relations. The purpose of our organization is to rescue dogs from high-kill shelters, backyard breeders and owners who can no longer care for them, and provide medical care, spay/neutering, rehabilitation and a permanent loving home.  American Rescue Dog also serves as a resource to our community by providing training and education to promote responsible pet ownership, the importance of spay/neuter, behavioral training and acceptance of all dog breeds.  If interested, please visit the website at www.americanrescuedog.com. 

About Rotary

Rotary International is a volunteer organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service and help build goodwill and peace in the world. There are approximately 1.2 million Rotary members belonging to more than 32,000 Rotary Clubs in nearly 170 countries. If you may be interested in Rotary you can email brendantweiner@gmail.com.