A Happy Howl-O-Ween For Newtown’s Pets

By Kendra Bobowick

Wind tugged at witches’ hats, superheroes’ capes, and often dislodged funny decorations strapped to the heads of pets during the recent Howl-O-Ween fundraiser on October 30. The first in what coordinators hope will be an annual event, Newtown Parks & Recreation Department hosted a Halloween party for dogs and their owners at Fairfield Hills the day before Halloween, with proceeds to benefit the Park and Bark dog park.

Dressed as Dorothy from The Wizard Of Oz, Lisa Grossman had dressed her German shepard as the Tin Man. The two won a gift basket from Mount Pleasant Hospital for Animals for these efforts.

Tables of dog treats and baked goods and more greeted participants. Contests, races and pet portraits kept the event lively.

“Everyone was happy,” said Assistant Director of Recreation RoseAnn Reggiano. The day raise nearly $500. A new park’s biggest expense will be the fencing, which can cost as much as $30,000, she said.