For Immediate Release – March 31, 2010

Contact:  Julia Shell, 312-203-3130 or juliashell@juliashellpr.com 

West Suburban Humane Society and Bark Avenue Daycamp to Host

Second Annual “Barkaritaville”

Dog-Friendly Fundraiser to be Held Saturday, June 12, 2010, in Bartlett, Illinois

(BARTLETT, IL) – The First Annual Barkaritaville, a fundraiser for the West Suburban Humane Society, will take place on Saturday, June 12, 2010 from 1pm to 5pm, at the Bark Avenue Daycamp, located at 1540 Hecht Road in Bartlett, Illinois. This dog-friendly event will allow pet owners, prospective pet adopters and all-around pet lovers to enjoy a day of food, fun and live music, all while raising funds for the shelter and care of unwanted and homeless dogs and cats in the six service counties of DuPage, Will, Cook, Kane, Kendall, Lake and McHenry.

Partnering with the Bark Avenue Daycamp, the West Suburban Humane Society plans to raise funds through live and silent auctions, raffles and contests for dogs as well as kids.  The kid contests will include a Flamingo Ring Toss, Limbo and Pick-a-Pop.  All kids can participate.  Each contest will cost $1, and prizes will be awarded.  Dog contests will include Best Pet Trick and Bobbing-for-Hot-Dogs.  There is no cost for dogs to enter the dog contests, and prizes will also be awarded. Barkaritaville will take place at the Bark Avenue Daycamp, a 14,000 square foot doggy day care facility, featuring indoor and outdoor play areas, so it’s on – rain or shine. Well socialized pet owners and their dogs are encouraged to fetch their collar and leash; heel, come, sit and stay for a while!

The cost to attend Barkaritaville will be $25 per person in advance or $30 the day of the event; $10 per dog; $15 for kids under 12 and kids 2 years and younger are free. Each attendee will receive lunch and non-alcoholic drinks, a goody bag and lots of fun.

All proceeds from the event will go to support the West Suburban Humane Society, a volunteer based, animal welfare organization that was founded in 1972 as a lost and found referral service. This shelter now operates at full capacity with animal care and adoptions being provided to the public 6 days a week.

About the West Suburban Humane Society

Founded in 1972, the West Suburban Humane Society, located at 1901 West Ogden Avenue in Downers Grove, Illinois, is dedicated to operating an animal shelter for the purpose of finding safe, permanent, compatible homes through the adoption of domestic dogs and cats. The WSHS believes in educating the community on humane and responsible dog and cat care as a means of ending the unnecessary euthanasia of adoptable companion animals, as well as controlling pet overpopulation by spaying and neutering all animals in their care and encouraging pet owners to do the same.  The WSHS works for animal advocacy, care and education through fundraising.  For more information about the West Suburban Humane Society or to donate, please call 630-960-9600 or visit www.wshs-dg.org .

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