Dogs gathered with their owners for Bark in the Park at Central Park.
Photo by John Enright/Riney Canine Health Center
It was a very different kind of dog day afternoon.
On a slightly chilly, but sunny Sunday, around 400 dog owners and dogs united in Central Park for a fun run and walk that raised money for Cornell University’s center researching canine diseases and treatments.
While “Dog Day Afternoon” played just blocks away on Broadway, dog owners and dogs further uptown took to Central Park to stroll, run and raise money to battle canine diseases through cutting-edge research.
People and their pets took part, complete with numbered pinnies, in the second annual Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center Bark in The Park 5K non-competitive, non-timed fun run and walk.
“We had just about every breed, age and size dog you could think of,” said Heather Hughes, assistant director for communications and marketing for the Animal Health Centers at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. “It wasn’t restricted to any breed.”
A procession of dog owners, such as Julie Jankowski and her poodle Ralphie Lauren, who wore a red Bark in the Park bandana, streamed into the park.
Ralphie Lauren had a great day at Bark in the ParkPhoto by Julie Jankowski
“It was our first 5K,” Jankowski said. “We decided last minute to register. If I’m running a 5K, I might as well do it with my dog.”
Many took pictures, such as Jankowski, wearing a T-shirt beside her dog, who was wearing a bandana.
“There was lots of educational in formation,” said Dr. Nicole Buote, the center’s director near tents set up in front of the bandshell. “The canine health center’s mission is to fund research that allows dogs to live longer, healthier and happier lives.”
The center, named for Richard P. Riney following initial support from the Riney Family Foundation in 2021, has already funded more than 50 research projects with this as a signature fundraising event also designed to build awareness.
They also take part in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and fundraise online through their website.
“We surpassed the number this year,” said Hughes, who noted about 350 people attended their first Bark in the Park. “We had people from all over. A large number were from the New York City metropolitan area.”
Buses came down from Cornell carrying veterinarians and others who worked on the event, where swag was handed out for people and pets at what organizers viewed as a prime location for pet owners and pets.
Dogs met each other at Bark in the Park.Photo by Claude Solnik
“We have a large number of Cornell alumni in this area,” Hughes continued. “We felt it was an optimal location to encourage participation from Cornell alumni and a populated area, close to Cornell University and Cornell University veterinary specialists.”
After a brief introduction on the bandshell stage, dogs in coats and some in baby carriages, headed off on a loop.
“What we do at Cornell couldn’t happen without your support,” Dr. Buote said before the 5K began with a little fun and fundraising. “So we really want to thank you and let’s get started.”
The Center has funded research into oral cancer, gall bladder disease and other canine conditions in an effort to boost R&D into canine disease.
“That’s one of the most devastating cancers,” Dr. Buote said of oral cancer. “The treatment has been life altering surgery to remove part of the jaw. We have researchers looking into less invasive treatments.”
Other events also go under the “bark in the park” moniker, including Mets games where dog owners are welcomed, Cornell’s “bark in the park” mixes fun and fundraising for this center.
Dogs met each other at Bark in the Park.Photo by Claude Solnik
The New York Mets’ Bark in the Park games, for instance, are billed as “baseball in Queens with your best friend,” including a chance to attend games with dogs, as well as a pre-game dog parade.
Mets games in their Bark in the Park program are April 7 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, April 22 against the Minnesota Twins, April 28 against the Washington Nationals and May 12 against the Detroit Tigers.
“The New York Mets’ Bark at the Park brings together two great loves: baseball and dogs,” is the way the Mets describe this duo on their website.
Participants at Cornell’s Bark in the Park, meanwhile, donated $50, while passersby made donations and otherwise found out about the center’s work.
“People loved it,” Dr. Buote said of the event where trophies were handed out not in various categories. “They loved seeing cute, happy tail-wagging dogs.”