West Suburban Humane Society Barkapalooza
By Anna Hughes | Photos by 726 Visuals
For three decades, the West Suburban Humane Society has been hosting the Barkapalooza: a fundraiser to help bring homes to animals in need throughout the Chicagoland area.
Over 500 people gather yearly for the 5K, the Waggin’ Tails Walk, the pet costume parade, and more.
The event is a chance for both pups and their humans to socialize, support a good cause, and help some furry friends find their forever homes.
Other rescue groups and nonprofits joined the fun to help microchip pets in need, provide necessary grooming, and share resources for any current or future dog parents.
![Aili Flannery’s award-winning sculpture, “Process,” was made of copper, string, copper wire, glass beads, glass, rust-stained fabric, lace, turmeric sun-printed paper, and thread. It represents “the timeline of having depression to the process of healing,” Flannery explained, and the theme is rooted in her own experiences. “‘Start’ shows up again at the end [of the piece], because I was ready to start healing and to continue living.”](https://dupagemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/26-1-DG-Scholastic-Art-Writing-Awards.jpg "26-1 DG Scholastic Art & Writing Awards")
