Breaking News

A Dog-Gone Spooky Parade

By Ann Needle

Approximately 15 dogs and their humans strutted their stuff at Pet Source in Stow Shopping Center for the seventh Annual Monster Bark, a parade and costume extravaganza that brought out the creative side of local pet caretakers.

The $15 entry fee per animal went directly to Phinney’s Friends, a Lincoln-based non-profit that helps those in financial need keep their pets. As  Phinney’s board President Daniela Caride explained, many of these people may face a sudden illness or other financial trauma. Depending on the case, Phinney’s services include dog-walking, cat  litter clean-up, feeding, and even paying veterinarian’s bills. In all cases, it means keeping a pet with its loved one, Caride noted. She added, “Imagine a pet being sent away, just when a person needs them the most.”

Meanwhile, doggie delight reigned as the dogs paraded around the perimeter of the Stow Shopping Center before the winners were declared. All this activity left a few just too pooped to party.

The first-place award went to Ivory “Scuba Dog” Lopilato and his human, Stephanie, of Stow. Though Ivory was outfitted for action in a sharp scuba outfit, Stephanie wheeled him through much of the parade in a Shaw’s shopping cart – because she was tired of carrying him.

For more information about Phinney’s Friends, please visit: www.Phinneys.org

The seventh Annual Monster Bark was held at Pet Source in Stow on Sunday. The costume contest and parade raises money for charity. Pictured above, left to right, are contenst winners Ivory “Scuba Dog”, first place; Ally “The Chicken,” third place; and “Moon Sparrow,” second place.   More on the story above.                                                                                                                                     Ann Needle
The seventh Annual Monster Bark was held at Pet Source in Stow on Sunday. The costume contest and parade raises money for charity. Pictured above, left to right, are contenst winners Ivory “Scuba Dog”, first place; Ally “The Chicken,” third place; and “Moon Sparrow,” second place. More on the story above. Ann Needle
Ally “The Chicken” walks the parade route before taking third place.           Ann Needle
Ally “The Chicken” walks the parade route before taking third place. Ann Needle