All the hullabaloo is built around the year’s biggest fundraiser for the West Suburban Humane Society. They are
inviting supporters to collect pledges and walk to benefit the homeless animals
that they care for.A Frisbee dog team, artistic grooming
and puppy pedicures, scavenger hunts, a raffle, a canine clown, and oh yeah, a
chance to meet the one and only McGruff the Crime Dog. Is this some sort of dog
lover’s dream? Well, sort of… but on September 30, it’s also a reality at BarkaPALooza in Downers Grove, Illinois.

The event isn’t just for the pooches, though. There’s lots of
exciting stuff for the humans in attendance to look forward to. Kids can enjoy
the 2007 BarkaPALooza Pet Parade, partake in some good ol’ fashioned
face painting, enter the kitty coloring contest, or search for one of “100
plush pups to be found hidden around the park” in the Pups Scavenger Hunt.

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Aside from the day’s great events and entertainment, festivities will include
some awesome food and

plenty of outstanding canine-centric shopping from places
like The Dog Spot, Happy Dog Barkery, and K-9

Cookie Company. You also
won’t want to miss some of the phenomenal groups in attendance, like Collie
Rescue of Greater Illinois, STRAES- Shih Tzu Rescue, Chicagoland Bully Breed
Rescue, and plenty of othersBarkaPALooza is a pretty fitting name for the event as there
will be a definite festival-type atmosphere at Patriot Park.

The WSHS has been doing a great job and
has already raised over $7,000
with more than a month to go
before the big day! Thanks to some fantastic
fundraising pages, like this one
from McIver’s Mutts, the BarkaPALooza looks like it’s really barking up the
right tree.