The Animal Welfare Society’s 7th Annual Bark in the Park was held on June 1st at the Jefferson Memorial Park in Charles Town. Over 50 dogs and their owners enjoyed the day’s events.

The day began with the Blessing of the Animals given by Rev. Melanie McCarley of Zion Episcopal Church in Charles Town. Participants enjoyed the interactive pledge walk, contests, demonstrations, games, raffles and food provided by Big Daddy’s BBQ. Thirty vendors set up tents to showcase their crafts, businesses, products and individual rescue organizations. Despite the very hot weather, dogs and owners had a great time. Over $2,500 was raised through vendor fees, sponsorships, pledges and registration fees. Many thanks to the participants, demonstrators, vendors and volunteers who helped make the event a success. A special thanks to the Bark in the Park sponsors: Minghini’s General Contractors, Inc; J and K Precision Auto Care LLC in Ranson; Gold’s Gym in Charles Town; Ranson Animal Hospital, Inc; and Jeff and Kay Bresee in memory of her mother, Lovesse. Look for next year’s event at the same place on June 7th , 2014.

The Animal Welfare Society is a non-profit, no-kill shelter and a United Way agency located on Leetown Pike near the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. The society has been helping the plight of homeless and neglected pets since 1952. To view information about the “Build a Path to Success”– a program to raise funds to complete the new isolation room at the shelter, upcoming events and pets available for adoption go to the AWS web site- www.awsjc.org.