Events of the Season

Bark in the Park is back!

Alton Baker Park in Eugene is where the fun is May 16, when Greenhill Humane Society hosts its “biggest party for people and pets,” the 17th annual Bark in the Park. Hundreds of dogs and their people leash up for a 5K run and 2K walk to support Greenhill. This year’s goal is to raise $50,000 to help homeless animals in Lane County. Top individual and team fundraisers will receive special prizes and recognition. In addition to the run and walk will be canine activities, demos, contests, refreshments and more. Everyone’s welcome; register online at green-hill.org. Registration opens at 7am, runners and walkers take off at 9.

Greenhill believes every companion animal should be wanted, cared for, and respected. Greenhill is open for visits and adoptions 11-6 Fri-Tues.

Let’s all go to Doggie Dash!

Portland’s Waterfront Park is the place to be May 15, when Naito Parkway is closed off for the 23rd annual Oregon Humane Society Doggie Dash. With more than 5,000 people and thousands of dogs expected to attend, Doggie Dash has been voted Portland’s favorite pet event two years in a row in Spot Magazine’s annual Top Dog Awards.

Everyone, with or without dogs, is invited to enjoy a fun run or walk on closed streets, a pancake breakfast, and a blocks-long pet festival. There will be contests for dogs who can sing, kiss, play musical chairs, and more. A Frisbee-fetching clinic will offer tips for people and pets, and live music plus dozens of vendors will round out the day.

All proceeds help animals at OHS, which found homes last year for more than 10,000 pets. The goal for this year’s Dash is to raise a record $250,000. Funds raised will help OHS rescue abused, neglected and abandoned pets.

The “bridge to bridge” run/walk takes Dashers over the Hawthorne Bridge, along the Eastbank Esplanade, and then back across the Steel Bridge to Waterfront Park. The “classic” 1.5 mile route is also available, taking walkers in a leisurely loop down Naito Parkway and around Waterfront Park. Runners start at 9am, walkers at 9:15. For details or to register online, visit oregonhumane.org.

Always check out Spot's Furry Fun Planner in print and online for upcoming events!