Story by Monika Staszczak, Contributing writer

This Halloween, the dogs of Murray had many opportunities to enjoy themselves just as much as humans.

Two events – Dog Walk-a-thon organized by Alpha Kappa Psi and a mini Barktoberfest, organized by the Humane Society of Calloway county – were all about loving our puppy companions.

Alpha Kappa Psi teamed up with the Murray-Calloway County Animal Shelter and organized a dog walk-a-thon last week.

Five dollars and a puppy was all that it took to take part in the event.
The event happened right next to the dog park, where dogs could play together and make friends.

Owners walked their costume-clad dogs around Central Park for judging of the best costume. Tiara Bell, organizer of the event, said that the chapter’s voting for awards is held at a later date.

Proceeds from the event are going to the Murray-Calloway County Animal Shelter.

The Humane Society is a nonprofit animal welfare organization and an animal shelter. Their motto, “Every time we help an animal, we’re also helping a person,” as their website, forthepets.org states, is what drives them to help our animal friends.

Their event, Barktoberfest was a costume contest, as well as an adoption event at the Tractor Supply Co. here in Murray.

Owners had their pictures taken with their dogs, and then, if they entered the contest, walked their dog in front of the judges.

The costume contest had several different categories, and every category had at least three winners, so every dog was appreciated.

The first prize in every category was a gift certificate for a dinner at Captain D’s and a treat for the dog. Categories included Most Adorable Costume – won by Ernie, a tiny Chihuahua dressed as a strawberry.

The first prize for the most original costume went to a golden lab named Tybalt, dressed as a medical lab. Tybalt is in puppy training for Canine Companions for Independence with Shelby Vandergraff, a Murray State student in animal health technology/pre-veterinary program, said Kathy Hodge, the executive director of Humane Society in Calloway County.

Dogs available for adoption blended in with the dressed-up pets, excited to meet new friends and maybe potential new families. All of them were really excited, wagging their tales and interacting with everyone.

Angus and Fergus are two brothers. They are  Labrador Retriever mixes and about 14 weeks old. They were stray dogs, and now they are looking for homes.

Another dog ready to find a loving home is Roman, a German Shepherd/Husky mix. Currently he is staying with a foster family.

To adopt a dog from the Humane Society, all you have to do is fill out an application at www.forthepets.com at the “Available for Adoption” tab, or call (270) 759-1884 for more information.