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Health & Fitness

5K-9 Bark in the Park has Paw-some Turnout

Dogs of all shapes and sizes came out to Harry Wright Lake for the first annual 5K-9/Bark in the Park Event.

Manchester, NJ - April 27, 2013 - Dogs of all shapes and sizes came out to Harry Wright Lake for the first annual 5K-9/Bark in the Park Event, held on Saturday, April 27th. Dogs and their owners could participate in the 5K or mile race, visit with local vendors, and enjoy the beautiful weather with their canine friends. The event was a combined effort by American Rescue Dog and the Lakehurst-Manchester Rotary Club.

"We had an amazing turnout at our first Bark in the Park," said Joe Jennings, American Rescue Dog founder. "Dogs and people alike were having a great time. We are already looking forward to next year!" American Rescue Dog rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes puppies and dogs from shelters, rescue groups, backyard breeders, puppy mills and owners that can no longer care for their pets. "Through the fundraising efforts of the race participants, we were able to raise over $2,000 for the dogs."

The Top Male and Female finishers in the 5K race were Justin Rand at 19:45 and Katie Chinery at 19:51. Dennis Guiliano and his dog Ellie took the Top Male with Dog spot, finishing at 22:49, while Tara Gangi and her dog Jessie won Top Female with Dog at 21:08. For the mile race, Braedyn Gialanella, just 5 years old, took Top Male with a time of 10:11, and Stephanie Klabau was Top Female at 11:37. Joey Catalano and his dog were first in the Male with Dog category, coming it at 12:25, and Sara McClung and her dog were top Female and Dog with a time of 10:14. Team "Big Bad Woof" took home the top fundraising prize for raising $790.

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About American Rescue Dog

American Rescue Dog is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to dog rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, community education and improving the quality of animal/human relations. The purpose of our organization is to rescue dogs from high-kill shelters, backyard breeders and owners who can no longer care for them, and provide medical care, spay/neutering, rehabilitation and a permanent loving home. American Rescue Dog also serves as a resource to our community by providing training and education to promote responsible pet ownership, the importance of spay/neuter, behavioral training and acceptance of all dog breeds. If interested, please visit the website at www.americanrescuedog.com.

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