Peanuts, Cracker Jack, and hot dogs: What more could you ask for at a Brooklyn Cyclones game? For some fans, the answer is their dog. The team’s annual “Bark in the Park” night at Maimonides Park offers a special ticket package for dog owners and their four-legged friends.
Murray, a 2-year-old labradoodle rescue and avid baseball fan, attended the game with his owner, Diane Corrigan. Corrigan and Murray live in Brooklyn and are preparing to make therapy dog visits to nursing homes. Recently certified as a “canine good citizen,” Murray is set to continue his passion for baseball while working.
“We started coming last year to Bark in the Park, and he absolutely loved it,” Corrigan said.
Sections 22 and 24 were reserved for dog lovers at Maimonides Park, where pet owners exchanged dog stories and greeted one another. Cyclones mascots PeeWee and Sandy the Seagull also welcomed the dogs.
The July 23 event was held in collaboration with the Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG), which set up an information booth for pet owners. The booth, staffed by veterinary experts and volunteers, offered dog treats and crucial information to attendees.
“We’re here for the community as a 24-hour emergency animal hospital,” said Geraldine Reyes, nursing shift lead at VEG on Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn. “We aim to spread the word about our services and provide support for pet parents during emergencies. They can also call and speak to a doctor. We’re handing out brochures with educational tips on weather hazards, especially for the summer, to ensure pets are safe in the heat.”
VEG distributed giveaway swag bags to pet owners and held a raffle to raise funds for VEG Cares, an organization that supports pet parents who cannot afford life-saving veterinary care.
At the game, pups and their parents got to watch the Brooklyn Cyclones take down the Rome Emperors in a two-hour, 3-1 showdown. The teams faced off again on July 27 during Harry Potter Night.
“Bark in the Park” typically takes place a few times each summer, with Brooklyn’s furry friends invited back next for the Sept. 3 game against the Wilmington Blue Rocks.
