INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Saturday afternoon at the dog park would have been a spectacle difficult to explain to a visitor from another planet. For Vero Beach residents, the 11th annual Howl-O-Ween Pawrade and Pet Expo, an exciting Vero Beach autumn ritual, allowed canines of all shapes and sizes to prance and gambol, along with their crazily creative owners, in a variety of costumes.
Hundreds of dog lovers and the objects of their affection gathered at The Dogs For Life Off-Leash Dog Park, located at 1230 16th Avenue, and enjoyed food, music, entertainment, and the best part of the whole afternoon, the parade of pets.
Along with a variety of dachshunds dressed as hot dogs, and several angel and devil-clad dogs, Bentley, a whippet/greyhound breed, had a huge, plush, stick of dynamite strapped to his back.
“He enjoyed it,” said his owner, Jennee Bariteau. “He was a good boy.”
Danica David, a local groomer, had taken a creative grooming course and practiced on her miniature poodle, Keeno. Keeno’s pink and black puffs accented his curly white coat, and his flank was adorned with a dashing black “K”.
“He loves getting groomed. He’s a poodle, so he loves the attention,” said David, as Keeno preened proudly for the press.
Local artist Teri Barrett designed a tropical themed float to show off Cabana Boy, a little ball of fluff she found darting in and out of traffic on U.S. 1 this past January, a year to the day of her mother’s death. She formally adopted him on Valentine’s Day.
“He’s my reason for living,” said Barrett. “I’ve always wanted a cabana boy of my own.”
Cabana Boy, looking roguish and non-plussed in a set of sun goggles, a vest, and polka dotted bow tie, was surrounded by Barbie dolls in various states of beachy relaxation, drinks at their sides.
A statue of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, greeted visitors at the entrance of the park.
Dogs for Life Founder Shelly Ferger welcomed the crowd, and introduced the 4-H Dixie Wranglers Line Dancers. Musical entertainment was provided by Hobo Jim throughout the afternoon, and revelers enjoyed refreshments from the Grillin’ Waggin’.
David Johnson was thrilled with the turnout.
“The reason we are so excited about this is that we can let the community see what our mission is,” said Johnson, President of Dogs for Life. “Although we have a great dog park, our mission is to train assistance and therapy dogs.”
A membership in the off leash dog park, open from dawn to dusk, costs $300.00 annually. The park is fenced and shaded, with areas for large dogs and small dogs.
“It’s a great place to socialize, not just for the animals, but for their owners,” said Johnson. “You should see this place in season. It’s much more conducive to socializing than the golf course.”
In addition to the dog park, Dogs For Life provides assistance dog training for hearing impaired and mobility challenged people, along with war veteran dog training program, pet assisted therapy training, and dog obedience classes.
Saturday’s festivities elated Johnson. “This has been the best ever in 11 years,” he exclaimed.
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