Who’s afraid of ‘em costumes?

Gorby agreed to accompany me to the Scaredy Cats and Dogs Halloween event of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) over the weekend.

"Let’s go, Gorby. It will be soo much fun," I say to Gorby, my Toy Poodle.

Silence.

Gorby is not much of a talker. But he loves to go where the action is. And although it seemed to me that he was not sure what Halloween or costumes are, he willingly hopped into the car when I got in.

Of course, Gorby did not have a costume. Last year, I went to the same event with Yuri, who recently went to dog heaven. And since we have yet to fully recover from Yuri’s absence, it was hard to get myself to find a costume for Gorby. Maybe next year.

Off we went to Eastwood Central Plaza. Gorby, as usual sat close to me as I tried to explain to him what Halloween was all about. He looked at me and then opted to catch a few winks instead.

"There are more than 60 entries this year," said Rich Ilustre, a PAWS volunteer. "We are both surprised and happy about the turnout." Rich also whispered to me that there is another event at Eastwood where PAWS is being asked to participate in.

I also saw the hardworking Nita Lichauco who would do anything to make sure that animals are treated well. Every time I see Nita I am encouraged to do a good job when it comes to reporting about what happened at the pet events. I never want to let someone as committed to animal welfare down.

"Hi, Gorby," said Nita to Gorby even before she greeted me. "Yes, Kathy, I know you’re here with Gorby. But Gorby is such a cutie."

The event this year was done in response to the many complaints that PAWS volunteers got about pets not being able to join in the Halloween fun. Scaredy Cats and Dogs was PAWS’ answer to the many complaints.

It was a noisy and yes, scary afternoon at Eastwood. The dogs were barking warm and not-so-warm greetings at each other and to the many humans who walked by. The humans were busy making sure that their pets were well-dressed for the event and that the kids who came dressed in cute costumes had to be attended to as well.

And dressed they came. It was amazing how each year I notice that more and more humans really go all out for their pet companions. It’s not so much about the prizes but rather a chance for the whole family – dear pets included – to have fun.

Here’s a list of the winners:

The three winners for the Best in Costume were:

Entry: Powerpuff Girls
Pet: Rojo & Claud
Guardian: Joanne Cameron (as the third Powerpuff girl) 

Entry: With mini broom
Pet: Mipao (Chihuahua)
Guardian: Janelle Toh

Entry: Zombie Dog with coffin
Pet: Bruno
Guardian: Marlowe Herrera

Pet Categories Phantom’s Pick (Most Creative Pet Costume)

Mardi Gras dog
Guardian: Edsel & Mean Ramos
Pet: Babsi

Casper’s Choice (Cutest Pet in Costume)

Dinosaur dog
Guardian: Manilyn Bagasina & Carlo Medina
Pet: Trish

Crypt Keepers Choice

The three-headed dog
Guardian: Ricky & Aya Sadiwa
Pet: Bawny

Human & Pet Best Ghoulish Partners (Best Pet and Guardian Tandem)

Beauty & the Beast
Human: Edwin Abayon as "the beast"
Pet: Moshi (Japanese Spitz) as "beauty"

There were fun Halloween games for both adults and kids, and team games headed by a chosen dog "team leader". After the program, guardian and pet participants trooped to more than 20 participating establishments in Eastwood City for the traditional trick or treating.

"The event achieved a dual purpose," said Nita. "It sends out the message that pets are part of the family and that their humans should spend time with them. Second, it is a fund-raising project for PARC, our animal shelter, through the financial support that the event sponsors will be giving us."

Sponsors for the Halloween fundraiser were The Philippine STAR Pet Life, Eastwood City, and Masterfoods Philippines.