Pets and people need one another, and both thrive in parks. This special day will be an excellent opportunity for people and their best friends to help raise needed funds for the parks, and to take part in fun events such as a dog walk and contests. The walkathon is open to people and their dogs, with a maximum of two dogs per person. Those without dogs may also take part in the walk. All proceeds will benefit Van Cortlandt Park.

Event organizers include Bash Dibra, celebrity dog trainer and Bronx resident, the friends of Van Cortlandt Park, the Delta Society, the Bronx Kennel Club, and Van Cortlandt and Pelham Pays Parks Administration.

Some of last years fun included the appearance of TV Soap Opera stars Lauren Roman, Darlene Dahl, and Michael Sabatino from All My Children, Krista Tesreau, Crytsl Chappell and Tyler Noyes from One Life o Live; Les Brandt from Another World and Grainger Hines from The City. And of course, Tom Brackney and his Madcap Mutts put on a rollicking performance--and they will be back this year!

Pets, People & Parks 1999 promises to be the biggest and best of all. A dog agility event--the fun, challenging type for active dogs and their owners--is the feature event. Participants can also test their pets' behavior by taking the Canine Good Citizen test, given by the Bronx County Kennel Club.

Other fun stuff happening will be contests like Pet-Owner Look-a-Like and "Smart Pet Tricks." Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category. The first 300 registers will receive "goodie bags" filled with pet treats and surprises. So come to Van Cortlandt and Sunday, April 25 with your pet (or without) and have a howlin' good time!