Halloween events guarantee a howling good time for people and their pets

With Halloween just around the corner, it's time to start howling at the moon -- well, not literally, but a good way to start having some holiday fun is at the Boonton Howl-O-Ween Canine Costume Parade and Contest on Saturday, Oct. 15, starting from Upper Plane Street parking lot in Boonton and ending at Santa Land (North and Main streets). The annual event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. Cost is $5 per entry, which includes a doggie goodie bag). Eleventh Hour Rescue and Best Friends Grooming are hosting the event.

Here is the schedule: 11 a.m. to noon, registration; noon, parade starts; 12:30 p.m., parade ends; 12:45 p.m., costume contest begins; and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., adoptions, games, children's activities, pet photos and more will take place.

The event benefits Eleventh Hour Rescue, a volunteer-based nonprofit, that saves dogs from death row. Eleventh Hour Rescue is made up of dedicated individuals who believe that innocent pets deserve love and a place to live where they are honored and cared for. No dog deserves to die simply because they do not have a home. Visit www.ehrdogs.org to see all of EHR's adoptable dogs and cats, upcoming events and to learn more about the organization.



Another holiday-themed event is the "All Howl's Eve Dog Parade." This annual event will  take place Sunday, Oct. 16, in Morristown (meeting at Town Hall parking lot, Franklin Street) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rain date is Oct. 23. Registration is from 10 to 11 a.m.. Cost to march is $5 and includes a goodie bag.



Pets and their people will march in costume down South Street to the Green. Prizes will be awarded to the five best costume winners. Special guests will include Rufus, the 2005 Westminster Dog Show winner and a variety of adoptable pets from Randolph Animal Shelter. Proceeds of the event benefit a local shelter.

Planning ahead, there's the Coming Home Rescue Inc.'s Halloween Party on Sunday, Oct. 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pawsitive Experience, 114 Beach St., Rockaway. There will be a variety of activities, including a hot dog toss, Snoopy Says game, Ring Around the Doggie, costume parade, Tarot Card readings for dogs and people, pumpkin bowling, cider and donuts, agility area and take-home paw print card. Author David Doyle will sign copies of his book, "Blood Works."

Admission is $5 per adult. Children and dogs will be admitted free. There will be prizes for best pet costumes. A pet adoption will be held and there will be a 50-50 raffle. All proceeds will benefit Coming Home Rescue Inc. Pet photos will be available for $8 each; $13 for two. Reserve a time slot now by e-mailing to courtneycominghome@gmail.com. Walk-ins also welcome.