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Howling Good Time
Canine Carnival is a treat for pets and their people
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
BOARDMAN
Canines and their human companions enjoyed a carnival in Boardman Park on Sunday.
The Howl-O-Ween Canine Carnival had something for dogs and people. Vendors offered dog treats, dog clothes and more. Kids could jump in a bounce house, and Jock-O the Balloon Man made balloon shapes for them.
Cailyn Kenney, 6, of Warren was presented with a balloon wand featuring the cartoon character Hello Kitty. Her brother, Patrick, 2, received a sword.
Their grandmother, Lisa Theis of Howland, brought them and her Yorkshire terrier, Teddy, to the free event.
“It just sounded like a fun event to bring our little dog out, dressed like a little tiger,” Theis said. “And I knew the children would have fun looking at all the dogs and seeing all the costumes.”
A costume contest was part of the event. Cailyn and Patrick also dressed up. She was a scarecrow, and he was Spider-Man.
Cailyn said she “played on the playground, in the bouncy house and looked at some dogs.”
Boxers are her favorite breed of dog.
The carnival was sponsored by the park and Animal Charity humane
society of Boardman.
“We’re trying to create an awareness within the community about the importance of pet care, obedience training and agility,” said Dan Slagle, park director. “Unfortunately, you read about sad stories in the press all the time about people abusing animals, abusing their pets, so we’re just trying to take the positive approach and bring awareness to the community.”
Boardman-based Animal Charity investigates cases of abandonment, abuse and neglect of animals. The animals they seize are offered for adoption. They also are a full-service, nonemergency veterinary clinic.
The park “is a fun environment for everybody to be able to bring their dogs,” said Shay Bolash, Animal Charity executive director. “It’s great to have everybody be able to bring their pets, because not every place is going to let that happen.”
Jennifer Slaven, owner of Little Paws Apparel, based in Struthers, participated as a vendor.
She makes clothes for dogs that are 20 pounds or smaller. A leash can be attached to the clothes.
“I do four sizes, extra-small to large,” Slaven said.
Her 10-week-old puppy, a chihuahua/miniature pinscher mix, modeled the clothes.
She learned of the event from Animal Charity.
“I decided it would be fun” to participate, she said.
Also included in the event were pet-rescue organizations, 4-H agility demonstrations, the Boardman Police K9 unit and food concessions.