for breaking news visit www.timesnewsweekly.com OCTOBER 22, 2015 • times 23 QUEENS ‘Howl-o-ween’ came early for pups and their families in Bushwick BY KELLY MARIE MANCUSO editorial@queenscourier.com @KellyMMancuso Dog lovers and their four-legged friends gathered at Irving Square Park in Bushwick on Oct. 17 to celebrate “Howl-o-ween,” a special dog costume party and pet resource event aimed at helping local pets and strays. The event was organized by the Friends of Irving Square Park in partnership with City Council member Rafael Espinal and featured discounted rabies vaccines, microchipping, dog adoptions and licensing. Animal Care Centers of New York volunteers were on hand to promote their “Adoptoberfest” in honor of October being national adopta dog month. The team from local grassroots group Ruff Riders helped raise awareness of the plight of urban pets in underserved Brooklyn neighborhoods. The organization delivers much-needed pet food and supplies by way of a special three-wheeled blue cargo bike which serves as a mobile food bank. They also help facilitate basic veterinary care, as well as provide transportation and pet health information, to communities and residents who may not be able to afford such valuable services. The Ruff Riders project is run by the Brooklyn-based nonprofit Beyond Breed, which provided dog microchipping services during the event. The day of fun kicked off with a special blessing from Reverend Father John J. Tobon of St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn. “Howl-o-ween” also featured reiki massage for dogs, dog adoptions, face painting for children, a DJ and shelter dogs available for adoption from the group Sugar Mutts Rescue. Members and educators from the New York City Feral Cat Initiative also provided helpful information as to how to help the city’s feline friends. The day culminated with a special dog costume contest and parade. A black pug named Dookie, dressed as a police man, took home the title for Best Costume, along with special prizes provided by Bushwick Bark. A howling good time was had by all. RIDGEWOOD TIMES/Photos by Kelly Marie Mancuso “Howl-o-ween” revelers gathered in costume at Irving Square Park
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