‘Bark for The Arc’ brings out the dogs

 

story and photos by Joel Rafkin
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Big and small, short and tall they came together to support a good cause and there wasn’t a fight among them — the dogs, that is! The same can be said for the people participating in Bark for The Arc on Saturday at Ben Geren Park.

About 200 participants and 150 dogs walked around the 1.4 mile track to raise money for The Arc, a United Way partner providing education, recreation and advocacy for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Patti Logan, executive director of The Arc for the River Valley, said this is the first year they have had the dog walk and did so because of dogs’ therapeutic value for people with disabilities.

"Dogs are so therapeutic for people that have disabilities and we know that people with disabilities sometimes just don’t have the communication skills. They feel uncomfortable; they feel like they just kind of don’t belong in a setting but dogs make them feel so much at home because dogs are loving to everybody," Logan said.

A K9 unit from the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department was on hand with its German Shepherd. The Fort Smith Fire Department also had a truck at the event for people to check out.

Members of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) encouraged walkers and greeted them at the finish line as they passed under an arch of multi-colored balloons. The dogs sniffed each other and vied for human attention at a small gathering at the finish line before everyone headed off to a pavilion for lunch.

A nice spread of bratwurst, hot dogs, burgers and Polish sausage including all the fixins’ awaited. Yes, there were doggie treats too! The dogs politely begged for handouts from the humans but all was surprisingly calm and quiet despite the prominent aroma coming from the grill.

Awards consisting of ribbons and a gift certificate from Ultimutt Dog Care were presented for smallest, largest, cutest, most energetic, bravest, best all around dog.

The Arc hopes to raise $15,000 from the event to fund ongoing activities throughout the year. Pre-registration for the walk was $20 while onsite registration cost $25. Corporate sponsors contributed funds and supplies.