A usually quiet parking lot in Rockville Centre literally became a “barking lot” on when dogs of all kinds celebrated Halloween in style.
Dog owners and pet lovers alike gathered at Terry Animal Hospital in Rockville Centre to celebrate the inaugural Dog Meetup and Parade Oct. 24. Hosted by Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis, community members were encouraged to dress up their furry friends in Halloween-themed costumes and donate to Posh Pets, a non-profit organization that rescues, rehabs and finds new homes for stray dogs.
Upon arrival, attendees were greeted with beverages and candy to celebrate the Halloween season. Pet owners had the opportunity to win giveaways of pet toys for their dogs. Prizes were awarded to the dogs that walked the parade with the best costumes.
“My favorite part about today was seeing all of the dogs in their costumes and meeting the wonderful organizers,” said Ricki Wasserman, a worker for Posh Pets.
Wasserman, a volunteer for the Long Beach-based rescue, brought Tobi, a dog from the shelter that is up for adoption. “For newcomers, it seems to be a very warm and welcoming environment,” she added.
Tables around the parking lot were stockpiled with donations of pet toys, blankets, food, and other essential supplies.
“My wife thought that it would be a wonderful idea to get everyone in the community together who loves their dogs and to have a charitable aspect to it,” said Davis.
“My personal favorite part is seeing everyone being able to get together in our hometown on a nice day and everyone interacting with each other’s aspects; bringing the community together as a whole,” he added.
“As I do daycare, grooming, and overnight care at my own facility, I wanted to come here to support Posh Pets,” says Latoya Benjamin, the owner of Doggie Day Care, a pet care center located in West Hempstead.
“We are here to give some donations of sheets and towels and enjoy our time here.” Benjamin added, who also works with children with disabilities, works on connecting people with their pets. “It was awesome just being able to support a non-profit dog rescue group as well.”
Quigley is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.
