Dave Klosterman with his dog Arapahoe and Helen Gaillard with Rex. [Photo: Kaila Jones]

It began raining cats and dogs just as the recent Dogs for Life Howl-O-Ween Pawrade was about to start, but in true show-must-go-on fashion, Shelly Ferger, DFL founder/CEO, decided to hold the whole event indoors.

Thanks to tropical storm Nestor, Ferger had already moved the informational vendors and raffle items inside but now even the parade of adorably costumed pooches would be an indoor affair. Patient pups stood nose to tail as the Next Gen Color Guard led the way, before making their way around the room to the delight of the packed crowd.

Lion manes were the costumes of choice for DFL-trained service dogs Coco and Arrow. Al Cabral said Coco was trained for hearing and PTSD, and JoAnn Tindol said Arrow was trained to help husband Earl by opening doors, picking up and retrieving items and helping him to stand up.

Rex the ‘Wookie-doodle,’ prancing alongside Helen Gaillard as ‘Princess Leia,’ needed only a carbine collar to complete his look; the 9-month-old golden doodle already had a coat as curly as Chewbacca.

“You made a bad event better,” Ferger told the crowd. “I just want to thank everyone who came out in spite of the weather to make this event successful.”

DFL, certified by Assistance Dogs International and recognized by the U. S. Department of Veteran Affairs, provides specialized training for service and hearing dogs.

There are currently 50 service dogs being trained, half of those for veterans.

Board president Kathi Schumann said they actually support 100 dogs, because certifications need to be renewed yearly, and they also provide medical insurance for all of the dogs to ensure they’re well cared for.

For more information, visit dogsforlifevb.org.