Howl-oween

By Brianne Harrison

Why should pets miss out on all the Halloween fun? Especially if that fun helps raise money for animals in need? Dress your pets in their sweetest or spookiest outfits for these “Howl”-oween fundraisers:

The 6th Annual Costume Pet Parade will start at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Historic Smithville. The event, hosted by PawDazzle Pet Boutique, will feature more than 100 costumed pets. Donations can be made to benefit the Atlantic County Humane Society and Safe Haven Cat Rescue. Take Note: pets must be pre-registered by the 21!

The Greyhound Friends of New Jersey will host their Go Green with Greyhounds Clothing Collection Drive on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Every pound of clean, wearable clothing, shoes and accessories, and soft household items such has bedding and curtains will generate cash to help pay for housing and healthcare for the organization’s rescued greyhounds. For more information, visit greyhoundfriendsnj.org.

Give your dog (and yourself) a treat by enjoying the lovely fall weather at the 10th Annual Bay Head Dog Walk. The registration fee of $10 per dog will benefit the homeless animals at the Jersey Shore Animal Center. The event will include a costume contest with prizes for best costume, as well as adoptable dogs from JSAC. For more information, contact Susan at 732.920.1600 x208 or info@jerseyshoreanimalcenter.org.

Animal Alliance’s 5th Annual Pet Masquerade will be held at Ely Field on North Main St. in Lambertville from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Enjoy food from the Union Fire Company’s grill team, enter to win door prizes, and enter your pets in the costume contest and parade. Proceeds benefit Animal Alliance, which helps rescue, rehabilitate, adopt, spay, and neuter animals.

If costumed pets aren’t your thing but good food is, you may want to check out the Murder Mystery Dinner on October 25 at Charlie Brown’s Restaurant on Route 70 in Lakewood. Tickets are $40 and include the show, dinner, salad bar, dessert, coffee, and tea, with proceeds benefiting the Jersey Shore Animal Center. To make a reservation, call 732.477.3299.

For those whose tastes run towards the finer things in life, Devon Fine Jewelry is partnering with Meche, a manufacturer of the “Nice Doggies & Pretty Kitties” charm line to host a Jewelry Sale and Showcase October 29-31. Customers can browse selections and submit pet photos for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate. Ten percent of revenue raised from the event will be donated to the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge.

And finally, on October 30, Morris K9 Campus will hold its Howloween Costume Party and Movie Night. Bring your dog and enjoy tricks and treats, as well as a showing of Disney’s The Haunted Mansion. There will be a costume contest for both canines and humans, as well as games and refreshments. A portion of the proceeds will benefit 11th Hour Rescue Group of Rockaway. One dog per family. Reservations are required. Call 973.252.5100.