The University of Kentucky organization Waggin’ n Walkin’ hosted “Bark in the Park,” where locals were able to spend time with shelter dogs from the Lexington Humane Society (LHS).

The event was held at the UK Arboretum on Alumni Drive on Friday, Sept. 26, to allow anyone to see the dogs and enjoy the first Friday of fall. 

The event consisted of walking on the trail in the Arboretum, snacks, a photo booth and games. 

There were 18 students at the event, including Cat Frost, equine science major and Waggin’ n Walkin’ president.

Bark in the Park featured a mix of dogs, including those in training and long-term residents at the center. 

The purpose of the event was to get dogs out in the Lexington community, Frost said.

“So our goal is to get them out and about and we utilize the Arboretum as a way to do that,” Frost said. “And it’s also a way for students to get involved, if they feel like they want to take the day and have a mental health day and hang out with dogs.” 

Frost hoped to raise awareness and create positive perceptions of shelter dogs. Frost said Waggin’ n Walkin’ encourages students to spend time with dogs, highlighting the mental benefits for dogs and humans. 

The club hopes to host two a semester and will bring different shelter dogs to each event. 

Member Sophia Fala, a freshman interior design major, emphasized the importance of socializing the dogs. 

“They’re just kind of there, alone, so when they do get adopted, then they’ll have people interaction,” Fala said. “I feel like dogs just make people happy. Like they’re happy, so they just make you happy.”