On May 19, Greenhill Humane Society held its 31st annual Bark in the Park fundraiser to raise funds to support the animal shelter. The shelter raised $83,115 of its $100,000 goal at the event.

The event, which took place at Alton Baker Park, hosted over 1,000 people — including runners and over 500 dogs.

Over 100 student runners and around 20 volunteers assisted and facilitated the event.

The event, which one attendee described as “high energy,” saw locals and their furry friends buzzing around the booths. Dogs and owners — some adorned with tutus, taco costumes and dyed leopard print fur — greeted one another as they accumulated freebies from vendors and other organizations from the Lane County area.

Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a 5K or 10K run, or a 2K walk. Dog owners were encouraged to run alongside their pets while non-running owners and pets perused vendors and participated in activities.

“It is electric, it’s wet with wet noses and lots of drool,” Community Engagement and Events Manager at Greenhill Humane Society Sarah Bouzad said. “It really hits home in our community to get people out with their animals as a community. To enjoy the outside and do it all for the dogs, all for the animals.”

Emily Looney, a two-time participant in Bark in the Park, said she felt “fantastic” participating in the event because it gave her a chance to run with her son and her dog.

94.5 Mix FM, Mini Pet Mart and Kendall Subaru were among some of the sponsors for Bark in the Park this year. Sponsors, some of which are year-round supporters, help market and fundraise for the event.

Although Greenhill did not reach its $100,000 goal, they wanted to make the goal “attainable.” Bouzad said Greenhill would have liked a higher goal, but for now they are “counting every dollar they raise.”

The money raised from Bark in the Park will go toward Greenhill and help them provide care for the animals at their shelter. Funds will support services like locating lost animals and caring for animals in need. The funds also support programs like disaster response, crisis care boarding in cases of domestic violence, spay and neuter for free roaming animals and more.

Last year Greenhill provided care for 5,000 animals, using the funds from Bark in the Park to help do so. According to Bouzad, last year it [Greenhill] was also able to distribute over 92,000 pounds of dog food in Lane County from their Pet Pantry located at the shelter.

“The best part of this fundraiser is the continuing of the life saving work that we are able to do,” Bouzad said. “But my personal favorite is seeing pets and their people truly enjoying a day just for them and celebrating as a community.”

One tutu adorned runner and community member, Scott Slater, was there with his dogs Lulu and Tasha. Slater runs an RV repair business, Team Curly Butt, that helps fund his Akita rescue.

“I am from the Eugene area, originally. I like to support Greenhill because they are a great place,” Slater said.