MANAHAWKIN – The Southern Ocean County Animal Facility’s 16th Annual FurFest and Halloween Pet Parade brought out dozens of costumed canines. Some of the early arrivals were true media hounds – relying on their two-legged companions to leak the scoop on their fetching outfits.
Some of the paw-some highlights included Coco, a sweet little Shih Tzu from Manahawkin, dressed as the adorable floating house from Disney’s Up – basket, balloons, and all! Coco’s humans, 9-year-old Maeylyn Karch and her mom Kelly, came dressed as the characters from the movie, ensuring that Coco was the “top dog” in her balloon-festooned get-up.
Toms River’s Cora Govern, 12 dressed as Elle Woods from Legally Blonde, and her Jack Russell-chihuahua mix, Journey, brought classic Hollywood glam to the parade, dressed in a matching pink pillbox hat.
Cora’s mom, Erin joined in on the fun costumed as an Oompa Loompa from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, while Journey’s dog mom, Heaven, pranced along in a tootsie roll coat, making the whole group look like a real sweet treat!
A beautiful golden retriever wore a classic donut around his neck and limped along past the judges. Turns out the disguise as a patient was all too real – with an open leg wound caused by multiple rounds of radiation treatment.
And then there were Spike, Daisy, and Gracie – the yappiest little Yorkies around who took command of Little Egg Harbor residents Barbara and Warren Jeffrey. They barked like true buccaneers from their pirate ship float as they “sailed” down the plank to parade past the judges. With a soundtrack of sea shanties, this trio of “ruff” and tumble pups won over every pirate-loving heart in the crowd.
A pizza chef and pepperoni slice came special delivery thanks to Sandy Crapanzano’s adorable duo, Chester and Charlotte. And there was plenty of holiday cheer from Finn Jorgensen, who brought Kalli along as Santa’s Paws, proving that even jolly old St. Nick loves a Halloween twist!
A Wheaten terrier back was made to look like “shredded wheat” and appeared to be a tasteful take on the breed’s name. More pirates, a shark and a miniature Little Red Riding Hood all wagged their tails as they showed the judges their costumes.
Many of those at the FurFest were once shelter dogs who found forever homes at the local shelter. The variety of costumes and themes made for an afternoon filled with laughter, barks, and tail wags.
The FurFest was also a purr-fect opportunity to spotlight the shelter’s adorable cats and dogs looking for their forever homes. Every furry friend adopted received a vet exam, age-appropriate vaccinations, and a little extra TLC with spaying/neutering and microchipping.
When the parade was over, all the pets were showered with goodies, with each participant going home with a stuffed goodie bag filled with treats – no tricks necessary!
