Wet weather couldn’t rain on pooches’ parade

It was raining not cats, but dogs at MCU Park on Tuesday, August 12, for the seventh annual Bark in the Park, presented by the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals and the Brooklyn Cyclones.

Throughout the day, shelters with both dogs and cats were stationed outside the park, along with information on how to adopt a pet. Before the Cyclones attempted to take the field to face the Lowell Spinners, dogs and their owners were permitted to take a stroll around the field. Despite the threat of thunderstorms, a nice sized group attended the wet walk and had fun in the process.

“I love it,” said Cyclones fan and dog lover Jennifer Price, whose dog Samwise was a rescue dog. “This is my dog’s third year and he’s always excited about it. He’s walking around. It’s nice to for him to be with his fellow pups. He loves meeting dogs so it’s great.”

“It’s for a great cause with price of the tickets going to help other dogs,” added her friend Donna Roberts.

Tickets for the dog day were just $10. A portion of the ticket sales was donated to the Alliance, a private non-profit charity that works with more than 150 partner rescue groups and shelters to offer important programs and services that save the lives of homeless animals in the five boroughs.

After the march around the field, dogs and their owners sat in the bleachers and waited for the first pitch.

“I think it’s a nice once-a-year experience. The weather’s not the best, but for 10 bucks it is money well spent, even in the rain,” said Mike Verdirame as he waited on the bleachers with his dog Oscar during the rain delay.

“It’s a lot of fun. It’s something to do with the dogs,” added Mike Martorella. “You’re always trying to find things to do with them that are fun and different and she has a ball. “

Unfortunately for fans, the game was canceled due to rain. Those with tickets for the game were given the opportunity to exchange them for a future game.

Despite the lack of a game, the night was still successful in raising awareness for animals in shelter. “The money raised tonight helped us raise awareness about New York City’s homeless animals and the Alliance’s efforts to find homes for them,” said Alliance President Jane Hoffman.

“We are thrilled to continued our partnership with the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals and use this night to remind New Yorkers that they can help an animal in need by adopting from a shelter or rescue group, added Gary Perone of the Brooklyn Cyclones.