On Saturday, Sept. 14, the Atlantic County 4H Fairgrounds was transformed into a playground for dogs and their families at Bark in the Park, hosted by Absecon Veterinary Hospital. The event brought together dog lovers for a day of fun, while raising $19,500 for Laddie’s Legacy, a charity providing financial assistance to families in need of lifesaving care for their pets.
The festivities kicked off at 10 a.m. with a lively mix of vendors, entertainment, games, demonstrations, and plenty of doggone fun. Popular activities included dog nose painting, where pups created one-of-a-kind artwork using their noses and a little help from spray cheese. Many dogs also tested their speed and agility on the Doggy Agility Course, while a variety of dog-friendly treats, including doggie ice cream, offered cool refreshment on the warm September day.
One of the biggest crowd-pleasers was the Human and Dog Pie Eating Contest. As dogs eagerly dove into pet-safe pies, humans struggled to keep up in this messy yet heartwarming competition, making it one of the day’s highlights.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., demonstrations of obedience and canine skills wowed the crowd in the Pavilion. Impressive performances by Seashore Dog Training Obedience, Dayna Troiano Pet Services, Family Canine Training, and the Pinelands K9 Club showcased the bond between dogs and their trainers, with each tail wag earning cheers from the audience.
Throughout the day, attendees explored a variety of attractions, including food trucks offering tasty snacks and a Zen Center with holistic services and products for pets and their owners, including dog psychic readings. An “Ask the Experts” panel provided advice on topics ranging from pet nutrition to behavior. Visitors also learned important safety tips during the Dog Bite Prevention Talks.
In the barn, budding veterinarians attended the Future Veterinary Professional Workshop, gaining insight into animal care and veterinary medicine. This year’s session, “Everything Horses,” taught by the staff from Absecon Veterinary Hospital, focused on equine care. Each participant received a summer learning packet to prepare them for this workshop.
The Kid’s Corner kept younger attendees entertained with a bounce house, skee ball, duck pond, and frog fling, while adventurous adults tried their hand at axe throwing. The Plushie Animal Adoption booth was a hit with both kids and adults, as many took home adopted plush animals. Meanwhile, adults could unwind at Dr. Brewlittle’s Beer Garden, offering craft beers and yard games.
A midafternoon highlight was the Dog Show, where pet owners proudly showcased their dogs’ skills and charm. Categories such as “Best in Show,” “Celebrity Lookalike,” and “Sexiest Senior” added fun to the competition. Later, dogs and their owners participated in the Doggie Musical Sit, a canine twist on musical chairs that had everyone laughing and cheering.
Live entertainment was provided by the Mitchell Farber Band, whose lively performance from 3 to 5 p.m. set the perfect backdrop for the remainder of the event, as families relaxed and soaked in the final hours of Bark in the Park.
Cherie Scheurich, Executive Director of Laddie’s Legacy, expressed her gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support: “Bark in the Park is truly a celebration of the bond between pets and their families, and the generosity of our community makes it all possible. Every dollar raised today will help save a pet’s life, and we’re so thankful for everyone who came out to support our mission. Laddie’s Legacy continues to grow thanks to events like these, and we are committed to making sure no pet is left behind due to financial hardship.”
Since its creation in 2022, Laddie’s Legacy has saved countless lives by offering financial assistance to pet owners struggling to afford veterinary care. The charity was named in memory of Laddie, a Maine Coon cat surrendered to Absecon Veterinary Hospital when his owner could no longer afford his medical expenses. Thanks to events like Bark in the Park, Laddie’s Legacy continues to make a significant impact, ensuring pets in need receive the care they deserve.
For more information about Laddie’s Legacy, visit www.laddieslegacy.org.
