Howl-o-ween Party a True Tail-Wagger

By Sandra Coopersmith

Features Writer

Halloween in Culver City really went to the dogs this year – but in the best of all possible ways, thanks to Michelson Found Animals' Adopt & Shop at 4235 Sepulveda Blvd., an actively engaged member of the community since its May opening.

Adopt & Shop (www.adoptandshop.org), is a humane adoption and retail center staffed by committed volunteers and store associates who help make sure every pet has a safe haven. It was launched in support of the belief that all pets deserve a home. Since the adoptable dogs and cats on its premises come from local shelters, every adoption saves the life of an at-risk animal. Dr. Gary Michelson and Alya Michelson provide support for Found Animals and initiatives like Adopt & Shop through their contributions.

Proceeds from Adopt & Shop retail sales – both online and off – are donated to programs that enhance the happiness and safety of animals in homes, shelters and everywhere in between. It's estimated that Americans will spend multi-millions on Halloween costumes for pets this year. The store's merchandise includes such costumes, thus providing a way to put those dollars to animal-oriented good use through the charitable tie-in.

On Sunday, Oct. 26 Adopt & Shop hosted a community event that it dubbed "Howl-o-ween," consisting of a pack walk followed by a party that ran in the store's festively decorated daycare space from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The fun pack walk that kicked off the celebration was scheduled for 12:30 p.m. People and pups were invited to walk with Adopt & Shop trainer Chelsea Barrile, who also has three dogs, all rescues. It could be said that her love for animals and ability to work so well with them has been bred into her, as both her grandfather and great-uncle trained hunting dogs.

Barrile recently came to Adopt & Shop as its dog trainer and brings nine years of experience in working with animals. She teaches nine classes a week, gives private lessons, and works with some of the adoptable dogs as well.

It was a beautiful day to be out, giving all who participated an opportunity to enjoy some healthful exercise by walking the Culver Trail together prior to the party. Following the walk all were looking forward to their well-earned treats.

Barrile said 30 dogs and 40 people joined in the walk. At the party afterward the room was filled with furry (and very well-behaved) energy. Several of the dogs were rescues, the adoptions of some having been arranged through Adopt & Shop.

"We had a great group of dogs and the walk went very well," Barrile said, noting that all pretty much kept to the same pace, although sometimes this varies in pack walks. In those cases she recommends that if a dog is leash-pulling, a good technique is to "try walking next to a calmer, slower dog as the leash-pulling dog will be influenced by the other dog. If you are out walking your dog by yourself and the dog is racing ahead and pulling, stop and wait for him to relax and come back to you, and give him a nice treat so he makes the association that if he pulls, he doesn't get anything."

The Howl-o-ween party featured a costume contest, prizes, face painting, photo booth, giveaways, treats, refreshments and gift bags. The convergence of cleverly clad canines together with some owners who opted for costumes as well was truly something to behold. Some standouts included owners attired as a witch and wizard and dogs decked out as bumblebees and ladybugs and sporting everything from tutus to a blond wig.

Imagination and creativity abounded in this group. Asked why her blonde Pomeranian (a rescue) was wearing an outfit comprised of a Starbucks logo, one owner explained that the dog's name was Latte. Accordingly, the owner had attached a Starbucks paper bag to some material, fashioned it into a back covering for Latte, and voilà, her dog had a costume with personal meaning.

The highlight of the party was the costume contest, which was divided into big and small dog divisions, with a grand prize winner and two runners up in each division. And what prizes!

Each grand prize winner received one of the store's West Paw dog beds (valued at over $150) as well as its MetroPaws gift bag that included a MetroPaws poop bag dispenser, 12-pack of designer poop bags, MetroPaws tee and toy, all in an eco-friendly MetroPaws tote (valued at over $60 total). The runners up each received the MetroPaws gift bag. Additionally, there was an "Honorable Mention," so every dog in costume was a winner and received store gift certificates. The MetroPaws prizes are available for purchase by store customers as well.

The big dog division grand prize went to Mila, a black and white dog wearing a witch costume. Mila was no stranger to the surroundings, having been adopted from Adopt & Shop in May. The small dog division winner was Arwen, a pug dressed up as Marilyn Monroe. One of the runners up in that division also came from Adopt & Shop.

In actuality, everyone in that room, the furred and the two-legged, was a winner and not just in a material sense, it being apparent from the demeanor of the dogs and owners present that they had all won the greatest prize possible by having had the opportunity to establish the strong connection they shared with each other. A quote by the late Roger Caras, television personality and animal welfare advocate, comes to mind: "Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."

As for the familiar litany of "trick or treat" so prevalent this time of year, it's heartening to note the significant role Adopt & Shop plays in enabling animals to find happy homes, a priceless treat for all concerned and one that is not limited to just one special day but lasts for a lifetime.