Every year, the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society (BEBHS) holds a fundraising event for dogs and people called Bay to Barkers. This year is the 13th year of the Bay to Barkers tradition, and may also be the most important for the BEBHS.

On May 20, there was a devastating fire at the BEBHS which burned down a majority of the building, killed   twelve cats, and left many animals homeless. With their goal of raising $25,000, BEBHS hopes to rebuild the shelter.

The 2010 Bay to Barkers Dog Walk & Festival will feature a dog walk, doggy olympiad, pet festival, crafts for kids and dogs, “Do You Look Like Your Dog?” contest, alumni reunion, and spa time for canines and people.

Frances Dinkelspiel, Berkeleyside and CItyside co-founder, is a journalist and author. Her first book, Towers of Gold: How One Jewish Immigrant Named Isaias Hellman...