Howlin' Halloween
Although many rescues and shelters are wary of Halloween and even put a temporary halt to adoptions, others view Fright Night as a great opportunity to have fun -- and raise funds. Here are some of the Halloween-themed fundraisers and adoption events that took place around the country:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - A Halloween "Pooch Party" found homes for 22 homeless dogs and cats from the Philadelphia Animal Care and Control Association. The event was organized by the People-Pet Partnership, and included activities such as pumpkin decorating, balloon animals, Halloween art, face painting, and Halloween goodie bags. The People-Pet Partnership also hosted the "Black Cat Halloween Party," which placed six cats and featured similar activities.
Los Angeles, California - Actress Tori Spelling, supermodel Molly Sims, and actor Andy Richter were among the celebrity judges for the third-annual Much Love Animal Rescue's BowWowWeen in L.A.'s Barrington Dog Park. The winner of the "best in show" doggy costume contest won a year's supply of dog food, with other prizes being given for "scariest costume," "funniest costume," and "best owner and doggie duo costume." The event, which featured adoptions, a silent auction, and a doggy masseuse, was co-hosted by Friends of Barrington Dog Park and The Pet Staff Pet Sitting, with the proceeds going to benefit the no-kill Much Love Animal Rescue and the renovation of the Barrington Dog Park. Learn more about the event on the Business Wire.
Ashland, Virginia - The Hanover Humane Society put Alfred Hitchcock to work raising funds for the society's shelter. Partnering with the local Ashland Theatre, the society charged $5 a head for a classic Hitchcock double-dip -- "Psycho" and "Rear Window." Read more from the Herald-Progress.
Bloomington, Indiana - The Animal Welfare Action Coalition joined with Sprint to host a dog and cat adoption day at Sprint's new state-of-the-art store. The phone service provider, in addition to co-sponsoring the event, donated $20 for every animal adopted and for each activation of a Sprint phone plan over the weekend. Learn more from the Herald Times.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri - The kids trick-o-treated while the family dogs played Halloween games and enjoyed their own treats, when the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri hosted a "howling good time" to benefit its shelter. Read more from the Southeast Missourian.
Pekin, Illinois - Pet ownership and adoption awareness were the goals when the no-kill Tazewell Animal Protective Society held its first annual Halloween party, encouraging both people and their pets to come decked out in costumes. Noting that the event was designed to boost adoption rates, TAPS board president said "A party is always a reason to come out, view the animals and have fun." Read more in the Pekin Journal Star.
