Coco Goes to Bark in the Park with the Anti-Cruelty Society

Hi friends, it's Coco! 🐾 Some days are for napping in a sunbeam, and some days are for putting on your very best bandana and going somewhere that matters. This week was the second kind: I went to BARK — the Walk for Chicago's Animals, hosted by the Anti-Cruelty Society right here in Chicago.

If you've never heard of it, BARK is one of the city's most pup-packed days of the year — a walk and festival where humans and their dogs come together to raise money and awareness for the Anti-Cruelty Society, a Chicago shelter that's been caring for animals in need for well over a century. Every wagging tail there was helping animals who are still waiting for a family of their own. That's a cause this little dog can get behind.

So many friends (so many sniffs)

I have never seen so many dogs in one place. Big ones, tiny ones, fluffy ones, wrinkly ones — a whole sea of happy faces. There were doggos in bandanas, doggos in tutus, and at least one very dignified greyhound who clearly runs the place. I made approximately one hundred new best friends before we even reached the start line. My humans say I "worked the crowd." I say I was simply being neighborly. 🐾

Dressed for the occasion

The Anti-Cruelty crew set me up with the cutest blue bandana — you can spot it (and my fancy pink leash) in the photo up top. For the actual walking, I rely on my comfy soft mesh harness: the breathable mesh keeps me cool and the soft edges mean no rubbing on my shoulders on a long day out. Cute and comfy is the only way this pup travels.

Why it matters

Here's the part I really want you to hear, friends. Behind all the treats and tail wags, BARK is about the animals who haven't found their humans yet. The Anti-Cruelty Society takes in pets who've been surrendered, lost, or rescued, and gives them care, comfort, and a second chance. Walking alongside so many people — and so many generous sponsors — who showed up for them was, paws down, the best part of my day.

If you'd like to help too, you can:

• Adopt or foster if you have room in your home and your heart.
• Donate or fundraise for the Anti-Cruelty Society at anticruelty.org/bark.
• Show up to events like this one — every walker counts.

I came home tired, happy, and very proud of my city. Want to see what else this pup recommends for adventures big and small? Wander over to my shop — it's full of the gear I actually use.

Give your own furry best friend an extra ear-scratch from me today. 🐾 — Coco