Humane Society making noise on the boardwalk

Barks on the Boards, a pet walk that raises money for the Ocean City Humane Society, is set for Sun., May 24 from noon till 2 p.m. The event begins in front of the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, between 8th and 9th Streets.
The Pet Walk provides canines and their best friends a rare opportunity to enjoy the City’s famed ‘walk. Over 500 dogs toured the boardwalk last year. The only other time pets are allowed on the boards is during the Doo Dah Parade in April when over 500 bassets waddle for the benefit of the Tri State Basset Hound Rescue League.
A Canine Contest is set for 1:30 p.m. in front of the Music Pier. Categories include the largest dog, smallest dog, best dressed dog, owner/pet look alike, best tail wagger, most precious puppy (over four months) and best dog trick. Entry is free. Prizes will be awarded.
Special guest will be canine celebrity Elwood, winner of the World’s Ugliest Dog title, praised universally for his good works on behalf of other pooches. Elwood who lives with best friend Karen Quigley in Sewell, will pose for photos for a donation to the Humane Society.
There will be free gifts, free T-shirts for the first 300 walkers, prizes and giveaways.
Group or family rate for up to four walkers is $50. Same day registration is $20. Children under 8 walk free.
To pre-register call or stop at the Ocean City Humane Society,1 Shelter, Rd., off Bay and Tennessee Ave., 609-399-2018. Mail-in entry forms are available at City Hall Annex, 901 Asbury Ave., 609-525-9300, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Registration the day of the walk begins 11:30 a.m. at the Moorlyn Terrace ramp leading to the Music Pier. Receive your free gifts and start walking at noon.
Since fund raising is the goal of the walk, participants are urged to collect donations from family, friends and co-workers or to form a team. Top fundraisers win prizes.
The Ocean City Humane Society is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter. The Society provides adoptions, long-term care for cats and dogs, offers educational services and operates a low-cost spay-neuter clinic.
The Shelter was named one of the top 10 humane societies in the country.
City boardwalk regulations require that dogs be leashed at all times. Owners will be responsible for cleaning up after pets.
All animals must have current rabies vaccinations. Aggressive dogs and females in heat are not permitted. Puppies under three months of age may be happier at home. Dogs are allowed on the boardwalk from noon till 2 p.m. only on May 24.
Humane Society Awards will be presented during the Walk to Senator Jeff Van Drew, the City’s Departments of Community Services and Public Works, to Elwood, plus a special appreciation award with winner to be announced the day of the event.