‘Pawfect’ picture for charity worth 1,000 dogs

Bloomington’s canine population, along with their owners, will gather this Saturday at Byran Park to take a picture worth a thousand words. Or in this case, a thousand dogs, said Mayor Mark Kruzan in a press release. \nThe event, dubbed "Picture Pawfect," will be hosted by the city of Bloomington along with Bloom Magazine to raise funds and awareness for the Bloomington Animal Shelter, located at 3410 S. Walnut St. and its "Adopt Today!" campaign, according to a press release. \nThe objective is to get 1,000 pets and their guardians to participate in a photo, said Malcolm Abrams, editor of Bloom Magazine. \n“As far as we know there has never been an event like this in the past in Bloomington or elsewhere,” Abrams said. “There could be anywhere from 200 to a thousand participants.”\nIf the event does raise a considerable level of profit for the shelter, it might become an annual “happening,” Abrams said.\n“This event seems like a good way for Bloomingtonians who love animals to have some fun and, at the same time, show support for the city of Bloomington’s Animal Shelter,” said Abrams. “Just about every contributing writer and photographer at Bloom is a dog guardian, including photographer Steve Raymer.” \nBloom photographer and IU professor Steve Raymer is a former National Geographic photographer and has received various awards for his work in the past, Abrams said. Raymer will be photographing the event, which will be featured in the June or July issue of Bloom Magazine along with the names of the participants, according to the press release. \nBeverages will be provided for animals and their guardians. Registration will be at Byran Park’s Woodlawn Shelter and all guardians must show proof of rabies vaccination and keep their dogs leashed at all times, according to a press release.\nAll dogs and their owners in the area are encouraged to come to the event. The requested $5 donation per dog will benefit the Bloomington Animal Shelter and the ‘Adopt Today!’ campaign.