At least 80 dogs of all ages from puppies to seniors and pets of all sizes ranging from Chihuahuas and poodles to Labrador retrievers took part in the third annual Egg Hunt for Pups at the Danielle Ruiz-Murphy Dog Park in Birdsboro on April 12.

During the event, presented by Humane Pennsylvania (Humane PA), dogs and their caretakers were able to search for plastic Easter eggs that were scattered in the fenced-in areas of the dog park.

There were several eggs hunts scheduled during the day. "The dogs were divided by size," explained Maggie McDevitt, Humane PA media specialist. "Inside each egg was a slip of paper with a prize (listed)."

Pet owners, who paid a fee to participate, were permitted to collect 10 eggs each. Prizes included Easter-themed toys and treats from SunDog; Charlee Bear Dog Treats; and Spike & Tilly's Pet Resort, which is Humane PA's pet boarding facility.

Susan Mahaney attended the hunt with her dog, Goose, who wore bunny ears for the occasion. "Today is his one-year adoption anniversary," she noted.

Sue and Brett Snyder traveled all the way from Gap with their dog, Mindy, to take part in the event. They noted that Mindy is a 6-and-a-half-year-old Chihuahua mix. "We read about it in the Humane PA newsletter and thought it would be something fun to do," said Sue.

The Ruiz-Murphy Dog Park is open seven days a week during daylight hours and is free to the public. One side of the dog park has an enclosed area for small or shy dogs, while the other part is for large or active dogs.

Humane PA's next event will be the 48th annual Walk for the Animals set for Saturday, May 3, at Berks County Fairgrounds, 1216 Hilltop Road, Leesport. Registration will start at 10 a.m., followed by the walk at 11 a.m.

Walkers are welcome to bring their dogs for the 1-mile stroll, which they can travel at their own pace. "We had upwards of 600 people in attendance (last year); registered walkers were close to 500," McDevitt reported. "It was one of our higher-attended years."

Last year's event featured a "Star Wars" theme. "Last year, we did a themed walk for the first time because it fell on May 4 (Star Wars Day). We had themed artwork and posters and our mascots Spike and Tilly (were dressed as) Luke Skywalker and Princes Leia."

Because attendees embraced last year's theme, this year's event is titled "The Empire Bites Back." "We are following the episodic saga of 'Star Wars,'" said McDevitt. "Last year, people put on costumes. People had their hair twisted up in (Princess Leia) buns, and some of the dogs had Chewbacca vests. We hope people really get into it again."

Also featured during the day will be live music by returning band Perfect Strangers, local vendors and games. Food will be offered by local food trucks including Smokehouse BBQ, Firehouse Coffee and Fresh Frenchy's. Viking Lodge 735 will sell its potato spuds and prepare them on-site.

The day will also feature dog contests presented by WEEU that pups and owners can participate in together. Dog contest categories will include Best Dressed, Best Smile, Best Tailwagger, Best Trick and Best Pet/Owner Look-Alike. Preregistration for the dog contests is not required. Participants will be asked to meet at the entertainment stage around 12:30 p.m. Dog contest winners will receive a Humane PA swag bag filled with gifts for both humans and canines.

For more information or to register for the walk, visit http://www.humanepa.org/events/walk-for-the-animals.

There will be separate fees for adults and for youths age 17 and under. There is also an option to take part as a virtual walker, as well as to register as a VIP Walker, which includes added benefits. Those who raise $250 or more will receive a commemorative Walk for the Animals sweatshirt and bandana.

All proceeds will benefit Humane PA, which has a mission to "empower people to increase their capacity to care for animals so that all animals are healthy, safe and treated humanely." Humane PA operates Freedom Center for Animal Life-Saving, 1801 N. 11th St., Reading; the Humane Pennsylvania Lancaster Campus, 2195 Lincoln Highway East; the Humane Veterinary Hospital, 1729 N. 11th St., Reading; the Giorgi Family Community Resource Center, 1350 Schuylkill Ave., Reading, which offers a pet food pantry, vaccines and microchip clinic; and the Danielle Ruiz-Murphy Dog Park, 503 S. Center Road (Route 82), Birdsboro. Visit http://www.HumanePA.org for more information.

Those with questions about the walk may contact Lauren Henderson Pignetti, director of development, at lpignetti@humanepa.org or 610-750-6100, ext. 211.