by Dora Galván
Assistant Editor
Dog barking sounds are not hard to find at Frank G. Bonelli Park in San Dimas, but barking came from nearly 200 dogs that participated in the first Beach Blanket Bingo Dog Walk on May 4.
From poodles to pit bulls the walk had it all. The event celebrated “Be Kind to Animals” week, which is from May 5 to 11.
Approximately 250 animal lovers attended the walk that was hosted by the Inland Valley Humane Society and SPCA.
“We couldn’t have been happier with the outcome. The feedback we’ve received has been great,” said Peggy Stephens of the Humane Society.
The day kicked off at 7:30 a.m. with registration. Dog walkers were sponsored through the pledges of friends, family and neighbors. The money raised will benefit more than 24,000 lost and homeless animals that end up at the IVHS every year.
“Everybody had a lot of fun,” said Stephens.
Through its services, IVHS protects, shelters and gives medical care to injured, unwanted and abandoned animals.
The non-profit organization serves Chino, Chino Hills, Claremont, Diamond Bar, La Verne, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona and San Dimas.
“We were just happy to be part of this event, because it reaches out to a lot of animals,” said Debrah Tomas, who attended the walk.
Stephens said she was impressed with the amount of people in
attendance, but has yet to know how much money was raised that day.
The walk began by 9 a.m. with a free pancake breakfast for those who walked their dog.
Dogs and owners walked through the mile-long trail, grooving to the live band Orange Colored Sky.
There was also a Vendor Village that featured pet-specialty products and services. This included Tropicana Pet Resort, Sassafras, Claremont Pet Resort and Loving Leader Dog Training.
Prizes were given out to those who raised more than $25 in pledges.
The winner of a six day, five night vacation to Waikiki raised more than a thousand dollars.
A station was set up for dogs and walkers that needed medical assistance.
