WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
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.
