Every dog has its day, and it might as well be Howl-o-ween.
More than 150 costumed canines strutted their stuff on Alii Drive from Hale Halawai to Kailua Pier Sunday morning during the Hawaii Island Humane Society’s Pet Walk.
The incognito fidos and fifis were dressed as pirates, pumpkins, punk rockers, skeletons, superheros and superstars in this festival pooch parade. There was also plenty of irony, including a little Toto-like dog dressed as Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz” and a dachshund as a hot dog. It wasn’t unusual for their human counterparts to be donning a matching getup.
Kona residents Kal Yackley, Christie Crawford and Cindy Marquez not only dolled up their dogs as characters from “The Nutcracker,” including the Mouse King and Sugar Plum Fairy, but the friends also dressed up as toy soldiers. For at least three years, they have participated in the Pet Walk because it supports a worthy cause.
Yackley said the humane society teaches and promotes responsible treatment of animals. The event also helps bring awareness of the heart-breaking plight of animals, who are loving, loyal and perfectly adoptable, but have been disposed of and left in shelters, she added.
Yackley and Crawford adopted their dogs, Harry and Ramsey, from the humane society around the same time. Ironically, they even considered each other’s pets, which had been in the shelter for about two months, for adoption.
Over the past 15 years, the Hawaii Island Humane Society has held this event in Kailua-Kona and Hilo, which typically draws 200 to 300 people at each location. However, there was a smaller turnout Sunday, likely because of tsunami evacuation and response the night prior, said Donna Whitaker, the humane society’s executive director.
Still, Whitaker said two things are always evident: Big Island residents love their pets greatly, and they have a tremendous amount of imagination when coming up with fresh and creative costumes year after year. It’s become more than a place for people to take their furry friends to socialize, she added.
The humane society’s mission is to promote respect for all animals, prevent cruelty to animals, eliminate pet overpopulation, and enhance the bond between humans and animals. The organization is expected to care for 17,000 animals islandwide this year, which is about 1,000 more than last year. Despite more animals ending up in its Kailua-Kona, Waimea and Keaau shelters, which run 24 hours, seven days a week, the adoptions have not gone down. About 40 animals are adopted a week, Whitaker said.
The humane society hoped to raise at least $20,000, which would go toward pet food supplies and maintaining its low-cost spay and neuter services, which help eliminate pet overpopulation, she said. The organization urged participants to raise pledges, form teams and participate in challenges on its online fundraising page at firstgiving.com. As of press time, the 116 listed donors had raised $7,565.
At the Pet Walk, prizes were given to the individual and team that raised the most money, as well as the best costume, best pet trick, the biggest dog and the smallest. The event also featured pet massages, agility and various vendors.
The Pet Walk seemed like a reunion for many of the humane society employees and volunteers who hadn’t seem some of the adopted canines for months. An alumni photo was taken of all the participating pets that used to be at its shelters.
Kailua-Kona resident JC Hansen’s 4-year-old basset hound, Kimo Ipo, barely made it out of the parking lot Sunday, when he decided within minutes of the walk’s start to take a break under a tree. Though dressed like a horse jockey, the 100-pound Kimo Ipo was no thoroughbred and was set on finishing last.
Nevertheless, Hansen was pleased with his participation in the event. Hansen is a regular supporter of the humane society and the good work it accomplishes. He got Kimo Ipo after meeting his previous owners at an adoption event. He talked about the joy of having a dog like Kimo Ipo, who is like his kid because his real children are all grown up.
“Whether you’ve been gone five minute or five hours, he’s always happy to see me,” Hansen said.
