Bark Heard Around the World Event Recap

The First Annual Bark Heard Round the World in Charleston was a huge success! We all had a Tail Waggin’ Time! The event raised over $500 for the participating rescue groups. Although we would have loved for this amount to be higher, we know every little bit helps, and are completely grateful for the turnout we had. We are also confident this event will develop into the largest adoptathon/rescue fundraiser and public awareness outlet in the future!! Most importantly, the event raised awareness on the horrors of Puppy Mills, including back yard breeders, and educated our animal loving community on ways they can help. We look forward to building this event each year to continue to raise funds and raise awareness for our animals without a voice.

We couldn’t have pulled this off without the help of the dedicated Rescue Groups and their selfless volunteers. The Rescue Groups participating were Daisy’s Place Retriever Rescue, Greyhound Pets of America – Charleston Division, Karen’s K-9 Rescue, Animal Rescue and Relief, South Carolina Pit Bull Rescue, Carolina Basset Hound Rescue, Animal Lovers of Edisto, SC Great Dane Rescue, and Low Country Golden Retriever Rescue. The number of dogs being ‘sent to the bridge’ would be more than quadrupled without every single one of you, your compassion, motivation and hard work. We can’t thank you enough for your rescue efforts and mission to save as many pups as possible. Special thanks to the sponsors of the event - Mary Zapatka, owner of Planet Bark, and her delightful staff for hosting this event as well as Melissa Gray and her devoted volunteers with Daisy’s Place Retriever Rescue and Diane Smith with her faithful volunteers of the Low Country Golden Retriever Rescue – they coordinated, organized, and assisted everyone with things they needed.

The wonderful event photos in the slideshow above are thanks to the super talented Cheryl Provost.

Shout out to Michelle and Katherine with Animal Rescue and Relief for their continuous effort to educate the public on puppy mills and their crusade to end puppy mills and animal abuse for good. It seems to be a never ending battle, but we know we can never give up. We are forever grateful for the tireless work you do.

The Police K9 demo was an awesome presentation – thanks to the officers and K9s who were able to take the time to come out and demonstrate. The doggie baths provided by Daisy’s Place raised lots of money for the participating rescues and everyone loved the doggie massages provided by Jennifer Parks with Canine Nirvana. Wags and Wiggles to Kristie Allen with The Learning Canine for giving training advice and training assistance with the foster dogs, as well as providing information on Emergency Preparedness Basics for your Pets. Doc At Your Door Mobile Vet was another woofing delight – many folks came out and took advantage of the discounted rates on micro-chipping and vaccinations. Barbara Wells had a lovely display of her beautiful doggie oil paintings and were enjoyed by all of us dog lovers! Let’s not forget about thanking the hardworking volunteers grilling the hotdogs and veggie dogs and feeding us all! The Hotdog lunches helped to raise funds as well!

The Charleston Division of Bark Heard Round the World has high hopes to grow each and every year and with your help we can. We have already begun brainstorming on how we can make the event bigger and better and bring more visitors out next year, therefore generating much more public awareness and much needed funds to continue to rescue and educate. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Which brings us to offering a huge “Tail Wag” as well as gratitude for all of you who came out, showed support, and donated to the cause – can’t wait for next year! Help spread the word!!!