Dogs steal the show during Cyclones annual Bark in the Park Day

The dog days of summer came early at MCU Park as the Brooklyn Cyclones hosted its eighth annual Bark in the Park day.

The tradition, taking place this year on Sunday, July 15, allowed hundreds of dogs and their owners to walk the field in a parade, and watch the game, and also featured pet adoptions from an organization affiliated with the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, and other activities.

Premium Sales Manager for the Cyclones Nicole Kneesy has organized the canine-friendly for seven years, and was pleased with this year’s event.

“This was one of our best years yet,” she said. “Since I started, this is definitely the most highly attended Bark in the Park that we’ve had. We sold almost 400 tickets to the event and everyone had the opportunity to bring their dogs with them.”

The fans had a blast hanging out with the beloved pooches and catching a ballgame.

“The fans love it and the players love it,” Kneesy added. “It’s funny. The march gets a bit slower as we get closer to the dugouts because the players just love when the dogs are on the field. Also, people love to be able to enjoy a Cyclones game with their dog right alongside of them.”

This year, the Brooklyn Canine Club and Long Island Canine Rescue were among those in attendance. The Good Dog Foundation — which trains therapy dogs — was there as was the DSNY to spread awareness about reusable bags for owners to clean after their dogs during walks.

Vice President of the Cyclones Steve Cohen also considered the day a huge success.

“We had 160 to 200 dogs here,” he said. “We had a birthday party in the back for dogs. It was really done well this year, so we had a lot of fun.”

He is also excited to continue the tradition.

“I think we were one of the first teams doing it years ago, and each year it gets better and better,” Cohen added. “People who own dogs and love them like myself want to make sure they enjoy what we enjoy, being outside and eating and watching some baseball. It’s been fun and the reaction of people coming out each year is great.”