Redlands’ Furry Residents Celebrate a Happy HOWLoween

The Redlands Dog Park on Sunday, Oct. 27, hosted its 3rd annual HOWLoween. The R.U.F.F. corporations (Redlands Unleashed Fidos and Friends), a public non-profit corporation, worked in partnership with All Four Paws and the City of Redlands to create the event, which has become a pet tradition in the city. All Four Paws is a pet-caring business owned by Elizabeth Kulbin and the R.U.F.F. corporation, solely made up of community volunteers, and works to provide ongoing maintenance support of the dog park. The organization also promotes responsible dog ownership and healthy canine behavior to help strengthen the canine–human bond. R.U.F.F. emphasizes the importance of human–dog interaction through socialization, exercise, companionship, learning, and fun. The R.U.F.F. organization also assisted in the building of the Redlands Dog Park with donated funds. R.U.F.F. keeps the dog park running, along with All Four Paws and the city of Redlands, through events like HOWLoween, which adds importance to the annual event. Elizabeth Kulbin, All Four Paws owner, said, “This event gives families the opportunity to come out and enjoy a day at the park with their pets. At the same time, we hope to increase awareness of the fact that there is a volunteer component of dog park maintenance … we encourage people … to take an invested interest in helping to support it as well.” Through these events the businesses, organizations, and corporations collaborating not only hope to raise money for maintenance but also to be able to educate the residents of Redlands on the importance of establishing a healthy relationship with their pets and provide assistance to animal-related causes. B.A.R.C (Benevolent Animal Rescue Committee), an animal rescue organization, was invited to the event by R.U.F.F to help promote the importance of rescuing stray animals. “Beyond trying to maintain the dog park we hope to really make the most of the volunteers’ energy and the efforts of the community to help other organizations like the animal shelter here in Redlands, B.A.R.C. the local rescue group, YAPS in Yucaipa, and countless others. We want to do even more than what we’re doing to help animals in the community; not just dogs, but all animals,” Kulbin added. Dog lovers gathered at the park, along with their pets dressed in costume—little Supergirls, Batmans, football players, and other characters—to show their support. The event began with a series of games for the dogs. The games were: Musical Sit, Most Unusual Talent, Treat on Nose, Longest Sit and Stay, Small Dog Race, Big Dog Race, and Bobbing for Hot Dogs. Winners took home dog treats as their prize. Stacy Fraser, who brought along her three dogs, Teddy, Bella, and Zoey, said, “We came last year and we had a really good time so we decided to come again this year. There are a lot of vendors out here giving away free goodies and, well, who doesn’t love free goodies? It’s still really nice to come out here and get the dogs out for the day. I like to bring them out here to interact with other dogs,” she said. While Fraser had participated in the event in the past, many attended with their dogs for the first time. New to the event was Lisa Dewey, who brought along her pet, Holly. “This is my dog’s first trip to a dog park. My friend actually told me of this event and I decided to see how she would do at a dog park and so far she is doing very well and she is enjoying herself very much,” Dewey said. As the second game ended, the series of games was interrupted by a K-9 demonstration given by Officer Prinz and his trusty canine Vix, courtesy of the San Bernardino Police Department. Officer Prinz demonstrated Vix’s obedience level by sending him to attack the “bad guy,” a volunteer officer dressed in a strong protective suit, and then commanding him to stop, which the dog did as soon as he was commanded to. A doggie costume contest was the day’s highlight, with plenty of dogs participating. Among the competitors were Sarah Fisher and her dog Sandy, who came dressed as bumblebees. Fisher explained she was glad to be a part of the festivities, “because I am having fun and I know Sandy is too.” “There are a lot of dogs here and they’re all dressed up. It’s so cute watching them in their costumes,” HOWLoween volunteer Christy Blackman said. After the costume contest, the event almost drew to a close, but before concluding there was a silent auction to complete and many prizes and coupons to give away. “It’s really a great socializing opportunity not only for the dogs, but for the dog owners as well, so it’s a win–win all the way around,” Kulbin said.