Bark in the Park

Do you love dogs, and enjoy walking them? If your answer to both questions is yes, then you should sign up for Bark in the Park. Bark in the Park is a regular, sponsored dog walk held to raise funds for The Irish Blue Cross small animal clinic, based in Inchicore. It is held several times a year in parks around Dublin – St. Anne’s Park in May, Marlay Park in June and Tymon Park in July.

This month’s great fundraising event is taking place in the Phoenix Park at 3pm on August 30. Walkers meet at the junction of Chesterfield Avenue and Ordnance Survey Road, near the Castleknock Road entrance. Don’t forget, it is imperative that all dogs are kept on leads and under control at all times. If you have a dog which is a restricted breed, it must wear a muzzle.

The route, stretching for approximately 2.5 miles, will be clear from the specially marked paw prints on the road. The walk will begin at 3pm and walkers should be able to complete the route within 30 to 45 minutes. Once they cross the finish line, each walker will be handed a certificate of participation and a doggy bag!

Walkers can register in advance to receive a sponsorship pack and card at www.barkinthepark.ie/register.php. Alternatively, if you don’t think you’ll have time to fundraise before the event, you can show up on the day and make a donation. It is recommended that walkers show up around 2:30 on the day, to give themselves sufficient time to register.

On the day, in addition to the walk itself, there will be a raffle with some excellent prizes, musical entertainment and goody bags. Special awards will also be handed out for Best Bark, Waggiest Tail, Shiniest Coat and Happiest Smile. All much-needed proceeds from the event will help to support The Irish Blue Cross in the essential work that they do, helping ill pets and those in need of shelter.

The charity was founded in 1945, and in the early 50s  its first mobile animal clinics appeared on Dublin streets. Since then, these mobile clinics have become one of the best-known services associated with the charity, and they have proved to be absolutely indispensable in supporting pet owners with limited funds.

Since the charity opened its doors it has provided medical care for, vaccinated and operated on at least 600,000 much loved pets. It also subsidises pet welfare schemes, which are run in partnership with many veterinary practices.

Six years ago, The Irish Blue Cross proudly opened a fixed, subsidised pet clinic in Inchicore, becoming the first animal charity to do so. In this unique establishment, pet owners who are genuinely in need of aid can obtain check-ups, vaccinations and surgeries for their pets at a reduced cost.

In 2014, a total of more than €16,500 was raised from the regular Bark in the Park walks and this year, The Irish Blue Cross hopes to top that, but they need your help to do so. Sign up today!