Rosy, dressed as the devil, competes with her sister Lucey, dressed as an angel, in the costume contest. Rosy took home the scariest costume prize at Saturday’s Drool and Ghoul Howl-O-Ween event. Lauren Rowland/WUFT News
Merlin competes in the costume competition dressed as Bob Marley. Merlin’s sibling, Cosmo, won the Top Dog category of the contest. Lauren Rowland/WUFT News
Cosmo competes in the Drool and Ghoul Howl-O-Ween costume contest dressed as Wonder Woman. Cosmo won “top dog” at the party hosted by the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department. Lauren Rowland/WUFT News
Scout, a chocolate Labrador Retriever, dressed as Gary from SpongeBob SquarePants, is accompanied by his owner, Campbell, who is dressed as SpongeBob. The duo competed in the costume contest. Lauren Rowland/WUFT News
Krista Ruggles buys frozen yogurt from Paige Andersen, who works on the Earth Pet’s Treat Truck. Ruggles’ Dalmatian dogs, Grendel and Neena, loved the frozen treats available at the event. Lauren Rowland/WUFT News
Grendel enjoys frozen yogurt from the Earth Pets Organic Treat Truck with the help of owner Krista Ruggles. Pet-friendly treats were featured at Saturday’s event. Lauren Rowland/WUFT News
Jingle, dressed as a milk carton, is escorted onstage by his owners, dressed as doughnuts and a cupcake. Jingle was awarded “most creative costume.” Lauren Rowland/WUFT News
Dogs were playing, swimming and strutting their stuff at the Drool and Ghoul Howl-O-Ween event on Saturday, October 24.
These canine companions and their owners attended the party hosted by the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department at the H. Spurgeon Cherry “Westside” Swimming Pool.
There was a splash pad, swimming pool and area of grass for dogs to run around. A food truck with pet-friendly treats and frozen yogurt from Earth Pets Organic of Gainesville were featured at the event.
The admission fee was a donation of $5 or a seven-pound bag of dog food per dog. Donations from the event will benefit the Alachua Humane Society and other local animal organizations.
“We had a lot of support from local businesses and it was free advertising for them,” said Zak Frando, aquatics recreation leader at the Westside Swimming Pool.
“We are glad we could help local businesses,” he said.
A costume contest featured best-dressed dog and owner, most creative dog costume, scariest dog costume, funniest dog costume, and top dog grand prize costume. Cosmo, who dressed up as Wonder Woman, won top dog honors.