PUBLISHED OCT. 13, 2016
Dogs invited for howling good time at Boo Bash
By LOIS KINDLE
The Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort is hosting its annual Halloween party for pets, and your dog is on the guest list. Now in its seventh year, Boo Bash will feature costumed canines of all shapes and sizes running freely about and spending quality time with their humans.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF C.A.R.E.
Bring out your pet’s inner superhero, princess or hot dog at C.A.R.E.’s 7th annual Boo Bash Oct. 22 at the shelter, 1528 27th St. SE, Ruskin. The fun begins at 10 a.m. Costumes are optional.
The “pawsome” event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 22 at the C.A.R.E. no-kill shelter, 1528 27th St. S.E., Ruskin. Everyone in the community is invited.
“This is such a fun day watching the dogs enjoying off-leash play,” said Joann With, event chairwoman and nine-year C.A.R.E. volunteer. “The dog costume contest is a hoot, as you can never anticipate what the contestants might do. And it’s always heartwarming to see many of the dogs adopted from C.A.R.E. reunited with volunteers who once C.A.R.E.d for them.”
This free, family-friendly event will include trick or treating, games and prizes for children; free Halloween portraits for pets by Brian Kalish; a costume contest at 11:30 a.m.; and music by DJ Seth “Doogie” Dugan. Kalish and Dugan both donated their services for the fundraiser, which will also feature a bake sale, food, raffles and vendors. Tours of the shelter will be provided, upon request.
Last year’s pet contest winners and judges gather for a group photo. The first-place winner was Dianna Helmke’s Minnie Sue, left, who came dressed as a pile of leaves.
New this year is the Wet Zone, where dogs can frolic and cool off in a number of kiddie pools.
“Towels will be available and no swimsuits are required,” With said.
Everyone who comes gets a free raffle ticket and additional ones are available for $1 each, or six for $5. Prizes will include dog- and cat-lover baskets, a $25 PetsMart gift card, two- and three-day Camp Bow Wow gift certificates, a PetGear I-Go2 travel backpack and more.
This year’s Boo Bash sponsors include Doogie Entertainment, Bri’s Eye Photography, Clever Cat & Crafty Dog, A Gentle Touch Dog Grooming and Apollo Rental Center, which donated all of the tables and chairs. Representatives from Pet Supermarket and Townie Life Magazine will on hand.
Every year, CARE alumni like these dogs return to participate in Boo Bash with their owners to visit with the volunteers who once cared for them.
Last year, the event raised almost $1,600 from vendor fees, donations, the bake sale and raffles. About 125 people attended.
C.A.R.E. was founded 16 years ago by Ruskin veterinarian Hal Ott and a group of community residents. Through its adoption, sterilization and education efforts, its mission is to reduce the number of homeless and abandoned pets in the area.
The 501(c)3 organization operates a small, three-acre shelter, which currently houses about 20 dogs and 40 cats until they can be placed in permanent homes. With the exception of Gloria Blue, its animal C.A.R.E. manager, C.A.R.E. is operated solely by volunteers and funded totally by private donations, adoption and spay/neuter fees, small fundraisers and grants. Its medical director is veterinarian Bob Encinosa of Boyette Animal Hospital in Riverview.
The shelter is open to prospective pet owners Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All adoptable pets are neutered or spayed, vaccinated and micro-chipped.
To volunteer, make a donation or for additional information, call 813-645-2273 or visit careshelter.org, or see them on Facebook.com, search for C.A.R.E Animal Shelter.