Menu

Updates / News /

B.A.R.K. Superintendent Betty Faith Throws Out ‘First Fetch’ at St. Louis Cardinals Game

Artboard 1
First Fetch

Meet our 2023 B.A.R.K. Superintendent, Betty Faith!

Betty Faith was adopted from the Humane Society of Missouri in December of 2020. She was one of 55 basset hounds rescued from an extreme breeding and hoarding situation. At 12 human-years old, Betty Faith now spends her days exploring St. Louis and going on city adventures! She has an amazing sense of smell, and loves to follow her nose around Downtown to explore. She lives in Oakville where she loves long naps, treats, and snuggling with her human parents, Alex and Shana.

Betty Faith was the winner of the Foundation’s 2023 B.A.R.K. Ranger Photo Contest, sponsored by Purina, and was inducted into her new role on April 30.

As one of her first B.A.R.K.“duties,” Betty Faith got to throw the 'first fetch' at Purina's “Pooches in the Park" St. Louis Cardinals game on May 6. She had a wonderful time visiting Busch Stadium, supporting her hometown team and meeting Fredbird himself!

"We had the best time and are so proud of Betty Faith and her role with the Gateway Arch as ranger superintendent. We are truly grateful and look forward to the many events happening with the program this year."

Shana Gerberding
Betty Faith's dog-mom

Betty Faith Fredbird
Betty Faith Arch
Betty Faith Arch

If you and your pup would like to join Betty Faith on her upcoming adventures around the Arch grounds, then you’re in luck! All dogs who visit Gateway Arch National Park are honorary B.A.R.K. Rangers, meaning your furry friend can serve as an example to encourage pets and their humans to get out into national parks (responsibly and safely) across the country. 

At Gateway Arch Park Foundation, we support the National Park Service’s B.A.R.K. Ranger program with special events and giveaways throughout the year. Be sure to check out our B.A.R.K. Ranger events page to save the date for all the 2023 B.A.R.K. programming at the park! 

And please plan to join us for the eighth annual, dog-friendly Blues at the Arch Festival, Aug. 11-12, at the North Gateway of the park.

As you attend these events, don't forget that B.A.R.K. stands for:

Bag your pet’s waste
Always leash your pet
Respect wildlife
Know where you can go