'Howl-o-ween Paw-ty' a time of spooky fun
Oct. 20—ASHLAND — A pie-eating contest, treats, furry friends and howl-o-ween fun packed the outside area of Earthwise Pet at the Ashland Town Center Mall on Thursday.
The second annual howl-o-ween costume party hosted by Earthwise Pet brought dogs of all ages and some special guests to the "Howl-o-ween Paw-ty."
Among the crowd was Skylar Kimball, dog groomer at Earthwise, with her dog Delilah, who had her fur dyed multiple colors for a Halloween theme. She said the Howl-o-ween Paw-ty served as a chance to socialize with people in the community.
"She absolutely loves the dying process, she falls asleep with it," Kimball said. "She is a pamper pooch. ... She comes to work with me every day, we do everything together.
"Her favorite part of the whole process is coming out in public and people coming up to her."
Kimball started the grooming process when Delilah was 19 weeks old. She said it all began with desensitizing her with trimming and painting her nails.
"When she was OK with that and we got use to each other through the haircutting process, I started dying her pom poms."
She added that she has been going through some harsh times, and with Delilah around, she had made the time more bearable.
"When I start to get stressed, she comes by my feet and helps me decompress," she said.
Throughout the "paw-ty," dogs competed in a pie-eating contest, and four categories: best dog owner look-a-like costume, funniest costume, most creative original movie-themed character and best group costume.
A few special guests came on Thursday: a cat, Jinx, and a turtle named Shelby. The dogs were welcoming of the guests and at times insisted on playing. Although Jinx wasn't having it, Shelby was all for it.
Brittany Jenkins appeared at the costume party with her dog who is 100% pit bull. Jenkins described her as a total love bug.
"She is 5 years old, she is a people person and loves everybody," she said. "She really is a cuddle bug."
Jenkins said with tears welled up in her eyes that her dog helped her through an anxiety attack.
"I just remember burying my face in the carpet and she got up under my head and turned my head for me," she said. "I love her, but my love grew even more when I realized how much she cared for me."
She added, "We sleep together. If I am not at work for eight hours, I am with her. I don't have kids of my own, but she is my kid."
Winners of the Howl-o-ween Paw-ty
Best look-a-like duo: The Cows
Funniest costume: The Spider Tortoise
Most creative: Doggy Parton
Best group costume: The Dracula Family
Winners of the pumpkin pie-eating contest were the ladybug and the pumpkin.
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