x
  1. Home
  2.  News
  3.  Local News

It was a walk in the park

| 25 Oct 2012 | 12:54
    Photos by Ginny Raue This Great Dane, Gracie, was decked out as a horse, and tied for first in the costume contest. She carried Etienne Lynn on her saddle.
    Photos by Ginny Raue This Great Dane, Gracie, was decked out as a horse, and tied for first in the costume contest. She carried Etienne Lynn on her saddle.
    It's always great to have a hot dog in the park. Balto came in second in the costume contest.
    It's always great to have a hot dog in the park. Balto came in second in the costume contest.
    Brody Banks, a most patient mummy, won the hearts of the judges tying for first in the costume contest.
    Brody Banks, a most patient mummy, won the hearts of the judges tying for first in the costume contest.
    Nothing makes you feel better than hugging a dog. Brianna Zasa and Axle prove the point.
    Nothing makes you feel better than hugging a dog. Brianna Zasa and Axle prove the point.
    These adorable Shelties, Bobby, Kera, Ben and Daisy Mae, are working therapy dogs. Owner Gail Taddeo reports that they are between 11-13 years of age. Lookin' good lads and lassies.
    These adorable Shelties, Bobby, Kera, Ben and Daisy Mae, are working therapy dogs. Owner Gail Taddeo reports that they are between 11-13 years of age. Lookin' good lads and lassies.

HEWITT — It was perfect weather for a walk in Wawayanda Park and lots of people and their precious pets made the most of it. From tiny little snow-ball dogs to Great Danes, one weighing in at 180 pounds, it was a fine day for supporting the West Milford Animal Shelter.

Strolling along the paths one could see a wide variety of dogs and owners. Some had multiple dogs with them, some had just one, all seemed happy to be out for the day. A stiff wind was blowing but the sky overhead was so blue, the trees so colorful that you couldn’t imagine being in a better place, spending some time with man’s best friend.

There were lots of prizes to be awarded and contests to enter; largest, smallest, best kisser, best behaved and best dressed. The best dressed category brought out some Halloween-type costumes, from a mummy to a devil, and then some really imaginative costumes, Gracie, a Great Dane, dressed as a horse, and a sweet little rider, Etienne Lynn, dressed as a jockey The costumes were so original that there was a four-way tie for first place.

The West Milford Animal Shelter is an all-volunteer organization staffed by dedicated workers who keep the operation running 365 days a year. Each year they have approximately 500 cats and 200 dogs come through their welcoming doors, seeking shelter, care and affection. On a day-to-day basis there are 12 dogs and 50-100 cats housed at the shelter, even though they have a superior 80 percent adoption rate.

Volunteers are always needed. You must be at least 16 years of age to work with cats and at least 18 years old to work with dogs. Monetary, food and cleaning supplies are always welcome. See the Web site for the shelter’s wish lists.

Contact West Milford Animal Shelter at 973-728-2859, e-mail at thewmas@hotmail.com, or visit the Web site at westmilfordanimalshelter.org.

For more photos from the Walk-A-Dog-A-Thon by Ginny Raue, and to see the winners of the contests, go to westmilfordmessenger.com.