People- And Pup-Tastic

We don't have to tell you that being a dog owner is hard work. There's the mandatory all-weather walking, the food-buying (and the upper-body workout of food-carrying), and all of the piles and piles and piles of poop-scooping. What you might not realize is that being a dog is challenging, too. Sure, it seems like it's all games of fetch and long afternoon naps, but pups have to wait around on humans for every single one of their basic needs, which can be annoying, especially because dogs aren't particularly gifted verbal communicators. In order to reward both parties in your furry-friend relationship, pack up your pooch and take yourselves to the Humane Society of Missouri's Bark in the Park, today from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cricket Field in Forest Park. There's a 5K run, a one-mile walk, pancakes for humans and lots of friendly doggie buddies to be made. Plus, there are pet contests, and the most famous pets of all, the Purina Incredible Dog Team, performs. Bark in the Park registration costs humans just $35, which includes a T-shirt; learn more and sign up at www.hsmo.org/bark.
Sat., May 17, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., 2014