Editor, The Smithfield Times:

I am disappointed The Times did not cover a local event, the inaugural Bark in the Park, sponsored by the Isle of Wight County Department of Parks and Recreation at Nike Park on June 4.

This event, attended by hundreds of people and their canines, was held as a fundraiser for the animal services of Isle of Wight and Southampton counties, the City of Franklin Animal Services and the Isle of Wight County Humane Society. Over $1,500 in monetary donations and another $1,500 worth of supplies needed by the shelters was raised at this event.

There were games and activities for the entire family including a pet fashion show, face painting, therapy dog visits, fast CAT, animal trainers, vendors and on-site pet adoptions by the animal services. In addition, local animal advocacy groups were on hand to make people aware of their efforts to help animals in need and to solicit donations.

This is an event that showcased the efforts of the various county governments, local organizations and animal advocates and is something that I think a local hometown newspaper would want to cover and publicize.

 

Dan Sherry

Smithfield