All month: Barke Sale

The nonprofit Canines-N-Kids Foundation is launching its new fundraiser — the Barke Sale, based on the traditional bake sale model — in the month of May. What could be better than raising money for research to help both canines and kids with cancer? For more information or to get your Barke Sale kit, go to caninesnkids.org.

All month: Homecoming: Shafer’s Tale of Lost & Found

Looking for a pup book to share with the family? Homecoming: Shafer’s Tale of Lost and Found by Theresa Tillinger tells the true tale of a Bernese Mountain Dog named Shafer who gets lost but is found with the help of a pet detective and her team of tracking dogs. Not only is it a heartwarming story and beautifully illustrated book, but proceeds of Shafer’s misadventure go to Riedel & Cody Fund (an organization that provides funding and resources for people whose pets have been diagnosed with cancer) and Adopt a Golden Nashville. Available on Amazon or check it out on Instagram and Facebook @shaferishome.

All month: It’s Raining Cats and Dogs Exhibit

Head to Seattle’s Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) to catch an exhibit bringing together rarely-seen objects and images from the museum’s collection — allowing you to get a glimpse of what life was like at the Puget Sound through the stories of cats and dogs. Exhibit runs through May 31. Find more info at mohair.org.

Wednesday, May 2 through Sunday, May 6: Fridge Art Fair

You’ll want to visit this unique event, taking place in New York. The Fridge Art Fair — a soft-sell friendly satellite fair — was created in 2013 by artist Eric Ginsburg, who is known for his whimsical dog and cat portraits. The art show will feature a David Bowie tribute and, on Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Celebrity TV Dog Hallway of Fame Museum presents The Pet Induction Ceremony. There will be plenty of unique things to buy and see. Find out more on fridgeartfair.com.

Thursday, May 3: National Specially-abled Pets Day

Deaf, blind or three-legged, dogs love life and don’t let anything hold them back. Think about adopting or working with specially-abled pets on this day created especially for them. Discover more at speciallyabledpets.com.

Saturday, May 5: Cinco de Puppo

Pups and people are invited to the first Cinco de Puppo event held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Social Pet Hotel and Daycare in Pineville, North Carolina. Admission is free with lots of food, beverages, booths and entertainment. Head over to socialpethotel.com for more details.

Sunday, May 6 through Saturday, May 12: National Pet Week and National Be Kind to Animals Week holiday observances

Tuesday, May 8: Game of Life — Pets 

Game on! Hasbro’s new edition of the classic Game of Life game puts pets into the classic game play! For the first time, you can grow your family with newly added cat and dog pegs and pet cards. There are 15 pet cards with different actions like “passing obedience school” or “eating homework.” The game is now available for sale at Amazon.comand will be available at most major retailers later this summer. For more information on the fun new twist to the Game of Life, visit hasbrotoyshop.com.

Thursday, May 17: 20th Anniversary Gala: Along Came a Dog

Who wouldn’t want to dress up for a night of cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner, dancing, fashion and awards all to benefit New York’s pioneering nonprofit The Good Dog Foundation? The organization’s programs certify and register therapy dogs and their human handlers to provide emotional healing for children and adults suffering from disease, disability and loss, such as autism, PTSD, dementia, trauma and stress. Plus, The Good Dog Foundation engages in scientific research with academic and advocacy partners, such as Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Yale University, Pace University and the University of Pennsylvania, along with the American Federation for Aging Research. Good Dog also maintains a Crisis Response unit of volunteers trained to respond to national and local disasters. So put on your dancing shoes, grab some friends and head to beautiful Gotham Hall in NYC. Event starts at 6:30 p.m. Click on this link to get gala tickets.

Friday, May 18: Premiere of Show Dogs

Show Dogs is a family-friendly comedy about two detectives — one human and one canine — who go undercover at the world’s most exclusive dog show. The movie stars Will Arnett and Natasha Lyonne, plus dogs’ voices by Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Jordin Sparks, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Shaquille O’Neal, Alan Cumming and Stanley Tucci. Check out the trailer at the official movie site, showdogs-movie.com.

Friday, May 18 through Sunday, May 20: Subaru Ultimate Air Dogs Competition

Check out everything from furry novice jumpers to experienced high flyers in this canine-designed dock jumping competition held at Dominion Energy Riverrock in Richmond, Virginia.

The Subaru Ultimate Air Dogs competition presented by Zuke’s welcomes all mixes and breeds to the competition and features long-distance jumping, showcased by different rounds. It’s simple to do: Dogs run down a dock and fly into the pool. Distance is judged from the edge of the dock to the base of the dog’s tail. Go to riverrockrva.com to find out how to register your dog or get more info.

Friday through Sunday, May 18, 19 and 20: Long Island Dog Festival

You’ll see everything from hundreds of show dogs, to agility training, canine crafts, dog trick competition, dock diving and talent shows at the Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay. Watch the dogs compete on Sunday at the Conformation Show to find out who is Best in Show. Sunday is also Costume Day, with this year’s theme being Long Island Nautical. Prizes will be awarded for best adult male and female costumes, children’s costumes and pet costume. Shop ’til you drop that the Sunday Flea Market where you will find jewelry, art, housewares, fashions, gifts and more. Chow down on the varieties of food and drink that will be offered. Find out more information here.

Friday, May 18 through Sunday, May 20: Bay to BARKers Cocktail Party

The San Francisco SPCA kicks off festivities Friday night with a party that includes an Instagram pet costume contest and animal-themed cocktails. Look for adult animals to adopt Saturday and Sunday — free — at both shelters. RSVP for the cocktail party, which goes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Go here for more information.

Sunday, May 20: Lend a Paw

The social network for pets — Petzbe — celebrates National Pet Month with its Lend a Paw campaign plus a special live event at d.b.a. in New York City. You can join in the fun (along with some famous pet celebrities like Manny the Frenchie and Tibby the Corgi) by sharing photos of your pet’s paws in the app. In exchange, the Petzbe team donates money to Humane Society International. And, if you live in NYC, head down to the live event for beer, wine and snacks — e en your put with get his/her own special Malbark or Zinfantail! Photos shared during the event will also generate a contribution. First 50 pets to attend the live event will receive a VIP gift bag. Event goes from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, May 23: Bark in the Park

Dog and baseball fans can head on down to The Wolff Stadium in San Antonio to cheer on the San Antonio Missions. Gate opens at 6 p.m. This dog-friendly event includes special presenters and pet-related info booths on the concourse. Friendly and leashed dogs only. Free admission, but a $5 donation to San Antonio Humane Society is suggested. Hosted By MissionVet Specialty & Emergency and SAHS. Tickets available at box office or online.

Thumbnail: Photography by RB-Photo / Shutterstock.

Read more dog news on Dogster.com:

• Take a Cue From Celebs This National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
• Baxter’s Bites Dog-Friendly Menu at L’Auberge Del Mar
• Car Break-ins Are Now Legal to Save the Life of a Dog, Cat or Child