200 Dogs in Harford County Have Their World Record Day

The Humane Society of Harford County has set a Guinness world record, the organization announced Thursday, for the most dogs wearing the same bandanna in a single location.

Pet owners had the chance to participate in the record-setting attempt at the humane society's Walk & Wag-a-Thon and Pet Fair, an awareness-raising and fund-raising event on Oct. 12.

Approximately 200 dogs and their people turned out, each pet wearing a bandanna that said "Count Me in To Help Homeless Animals."

In early March, the humane society learned it made the cut and will be included in the Guinness Book of World Records, a compilation that aims to inspire people (and now dogs) to do extraordinary things.

The Humane Society of Harford County—which provides shelter, education, care and adoption services for the approximately 4,500 animals it receives each year—said its extraordinary act had a purpose.

"We wanted to do something unique to involve the Harford County community and spread awareness of pet homelessness in the area," Mary Leavens, executive director of the Humane Society of Harford County, said.

The humane society thanked its supporters, who had to register and stand in line so their presence could be verified by officials including Harford County Sheriff Jesse Bane and Jean Mattheu from Frank Hajek & Associates, P.A.

The dogs were very well-behaved during the event, despite a remote-controlled helicopter taking aerial pictures partway through, according to a statement from the humane society.

"The Guinness world record attempt was exciting, and what made it even more special was the crowd of dogs who joined us who were absolutely perfect canine citizens," Leavens said. "We have an amazing animal-loving community who helped us set a new world record!”

See the official certificate from the Guinness World Records.

Participants may purchase an official Guinness World Records Certificate of Participation by contacting Nicky Wetzelberger of the Humane Society of Harford County at 410-836-1090 extension 104 or at nicky@harfordshelter.org.

Related: Dogs in Bandannas—A World Record Attempt by Harford Humane Society