Dogs ‘Bark in the Park’ in Tupper Lake

The event benefits the Tri-Lakes Humane Society, which is based in Saranac Lake and serves the entire Tri-Lakes region. While it was set to run rain or shine, the sky was sunny and the temperatures in the 70s. Some of the furrier dogs could be seen panting in the heat, but nearby Raquette Pond, which borders the park, and plenty of water on hand provided relief for the dogs.

The legendary band Double Axel set the mood, playing a variety of classic hits from the 1960s and onward.

An agility course set up at the event provided dogs the opportunity to jump over hurdles and run through a tunnel, usually for a generous reward from the owner. Ruth Schmidt, a Tri-Lakes Humane Society board member and practice manager at the Lake Placid Animal Hospital, refereed the course as dogs darted around her.

Dogs of all sizes and ages spent the event mingling with their owners and each other. Good behavior was commonplace, and dogs not as comfortable around other people or pets were compassionately kept calm, leashed and at a safe distance by their owners. For many of the pets present, such a large gathering could potentially cause stress. The park’s large outdoor space gave owners plenty of room, however, to keep their pets at ease and enjoying the event.

(Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

All pets were required to remain on leashes throughout the event, with the exception of the agility course, which was in a gated and fenced enclosure to ensure no escape attempts could be plotted.

As social creatures, it was evident that many of the dogs were enjoying meeting new friends who had gathered from all across the Tri-Lakes region. Tail-wagging, rapid sniffing and big smiles from canines were in ample supply throughout the event.

A variety of vendors and pet-oriented businesses were on hand to provide a range of services, including grooming for pets, face painting for people and fun for all.

Tupper Lake Police Department Sgt. Travis Farmer was on hand to provide assistance during the event and was joined by his Welsh corgi, Oliver. He was happy to see the community turn out and glad Mother Nature cooperated.

“We’ll take all the days like this that we can get here in Tupper Lake,” he said.

Chris Campisi, left, and Lisa Morin smile with Daisy, left, Ossie, center, and Oakley near the agility course. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

While the day’s final numbers for attendance the amount of money raised were not available at press time, humane society Shelter Director Tori Tanner had estimated at least two hundred people to show up, an increase from last year. Attendance during the first couple hours of the event suggested the event was well on track to meet or exceed that tally.

Raffle drawings featuring staycation packages in Tupper Lake and Lake Placid were held toward the end of the event. All funds raised from the ADK Bark in the Park event will directly help the humane society continue to provide care and safe shelter to all stray, abandoned and/or unwanted domestic pets in the region. More information can be found at trilakeshumanesociety.com.

Reeba, a half French and half English bulldog, smiles at the ADK Bark in the Park fundraiser at the Tupper Lake Municipal Park on Sunday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Ann Gilbertson smiles with her German shepherd Teddy at the ADK Bark in the Park fundraiser at the Tupper Lake Municipal Park on Sunday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Alaska, left, and Woody, named after the “Toy Story” character, smile near the entrance to the ADK Bark in the Park fundraiser at the Tupper Lake Municipal Park on Sunday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Ossie navigates the hurdles portion of the agility course as the reward dances above the bar. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Daisy, a golden retriever, dashes out from the tunnel portion of the agility course. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Sharon Bishop of Saranac Lake smiles as June, an 8-year-old border collie, springs up from the ground at the agility course. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)