(WMC-TV) – The Humane Society is hosting a special camp this summer to teach kids how to speak up for animals.

“At the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County, we believe that you are never too young to make a difference,” said Kerry Sneed, the group’s community outreach and humane education manager. “Our Pet Cadets Summer Camp will be an excellent opportunity for children to learn how to help animals while having fun and making friends at the same time.”

"Puppy Up! Memphis" comes to Overton Park on Saturday, April 29th as part of a nationwide effort to raise money for human and canine cancer research.

Bring your dog (on a leash of course!) to the Rainbow Lake Pavilion for an afternoon of entertainment, food and vendors.  The festivities start at noon and the walk starts at 2 p.m.

Registration is $20.  To find out more, check out their national website or the local website.

Shelby Farms Park is excited to open up the Outback, the park's off-leash dog park, with new improvements that significantly improve safety for dogs and their owners and offer patrons an opportunity to commemorate beloved pets in a place that is special to them.

New features include:

• New “bull pen” style entrance gate that allows controlled access and exit.  The double gated system allows visitors and their pets to leash and unleash in a safe holding area between the entrance and exit gate.
• A brick-lined Legacy Walk provides patrons an opportunity to commemorate beloved pets with a donation to the Outback that adds a personalized brick to the walkway
• Tree plantings, sod installation and improved signage
• Forest restoration though selective tree pruning and native understory plantings (Sweetbay Magnolias, Redbuds, deciduous Hollies and Serviceberry)
• Improved grading and drainage for adjacent parking lot