It's that time of year already… The Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society is once again holding their annual fundraising event "Bark In The Park 2009!" "Bark in the Park" is a 5k (3.2 mile) walk for dogs and their owners. This is the fourth year that Dempsey has participated in this event, and he was happy to have both of us along for the ride last year.

As many of you know, I adopted Dempsey in December of 2005, and he has brought an immeasurable amount of happiness into my life. Over the past year he's also brought a lot of joy and slobber to Shannon, too. This would not have been possible if not for organizations like the Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society, who provides shelter, health care, and adoption services for thousands of homeless animals each year. 

The funds raised at this event help to ensure that animals like Dempsey will be provided for in the future. The ACS provides so much more than just pet adoption services. They offer a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, a rehabilitation & treatment center, a low-income clinic, humane education/community outreach, cruelty and abuse investigations and rescue, dog training classes, a free behavior hotline, and pet visitations. 

In 2008, we raised over $2000 in support of this cause. Given the tough economic times this year, we are shooting for a goal of $1,000, and Dempsey, Shannon and I would be very appreciative if you could help us reach it. We know times are tough these days, but it becomes even more important to support charities who help those who can't help themselves. 

The Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society is a non-profit organization, so donations are fully tax deductible. Please donate if you can, knowing that you are not only helping to save the lives of deserving pets but also enabling those animals to bring happiness and joy to countless families around the Chicago area.

The three of us thank you in advance for helping out this wonderful cause. Please feel to forward this page to anyone you think would like to support ACS.