Saturday, June 25, 2011, was a dog-gone great day for all who came to A Bark at the Park, 2011. Though we don’t have an actual paw count, dogs tiny, small medium, large, and extra-large attended with their owners.

About 25 Doggie IQ Tests were done, and while the dogs were scored as genius, smart, or cute, in their guardian’s eyes, each was the brightest dog in attendance.             

The Tennis Ball Bucket Bash was a hit for several dogs who loved tennis balls, and it didn’t matter that they were in water.

An agility demonstration by Pat Kauffman’s two dogs, was a huge hit with the crowd. Officer Jeremiah Fears brought in Corning’s canine unit. Canine Officer Oso did a search demonstration. Officer Oso loved the petting from the kids that were there with their dogs and parents.

Brainy Dog was there to answer dog-related training questions. They have helped us with some shelter dog related issues.

Volunteers were the backbone of our event. Kelly, Taylor, Debbie and daughter Michelle were there to lend a hand. Todd, Rita, Pat, Mari Ann, Willie and the founder of Second Chance, Debbie, did a great job. Doug and Marina who manned the BBQ were awesome. Diane who does our newsletter and granddaughter Alexis, were there to help too. Tina, our super foster mom, stayed as long as she could. Thanks to the US Bank employees, Essie, Edna and Skylar who gave up their day off to help. Pat, who has been coming to the shelter for 6 years, coordinated booths, announced different events, and answered questions about Second Chance Pet Rescue.

Added at the last minute, the silent auction of wonderful art by award winning and nationally recognized artists, was a big success. It was a nice bonus of fundraising for us and those who participated took home some awesome art!

Thank you artists Marji Raymond, Jane Birch, Sylvia Meents, Pat Panko, Genee Kluga, and Phylis Wathen and Peggy Jessop.

A Bark at the Bark 2011, would not have been possible without the initial sponsorship of these fine people and business. Please let them know that you appreciate their support of us if you see them.

Major supporters:
Allergy Associates, Animal Blood Bank, Bell Carter Olive Company, Holiday Inn Express, Molly & Tupper Mahoney, Rabobank, Rita’s Tax Service, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Skyline Pets, US Bank, Walker Street Veterinary, Wild Cat Haven, and Matt and Ann Koball.

Without the support of our local business and individuals who were so gracious in donating raffle items, our event would not have been as much fun. These businesses are the backbone of our community and support us wholeheartedly.

We hope that you will support them so they can continue to support us.

Raffle Donators:
Theresa Bales, Bell Carter Olive Company, Rabobank, O’Reilly Auto, Corning Olive Oil, Lucero Olive Oil, House Of Brews, Round Table Pizza, Interland Business, Red Truck Rock Yard, Holiday Inn Express, Walker St. Veterinary, Coffee Club Bistro, Chris’ Egg Farm, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Dot Linnet and Family, Millie Williams, Mari Ann Hascher, Kelly Privitte, Lindee Ross, Marji Raymond. Sylvia Clark, Ron Northrup.

At our ‘A Bark at the Park’ we saw some dear old friends, made some new dear friends, and had a whole lot of fun!

Second Chance Pet Rescue is pawsitivily grateful to everyone who came and participated, sponsored, donated and volunteered at A Bark at the Park, 2011.

Grand prize 24-inch Viore Flat Screen TV went to Suzanne Hildebrandt. Suzanne has been a local long-time supporter of Second Chance. She is pictured with the TV and her other raffle winnings. Congratulations Suzanne!

We’ve included additional Bark at the Park photographs below: