Who’s afraid of ‘em pets?
When a dog has won a major title repeatedly in the Philippine Animal Welfare Society’s (PAWS) Halloween pet costume contest — is it time to elevate him to the hall of fame? This was the question that “Scaredy Cats & Dogs” organizers asked themselves when it seemed apparent that Jacks the Pomeranian was all set to take home the grand prize for the umpteenth time.
Jacks came dressed as Jon Snow from Game of Thrones and he was a sight to behold in his black (faux) fur cloak and sitting majestically on the Iron Throne while a paper mache wolf stood guard by his side.
Jacks was also the grand winner last year for coming as Ghost Rider (complete with a fiery motorbike) and the year before that when he won Most Creative Pet Costume as The Phantom Pilot of Flight 19.
While organizers deliberated on whether they should give Halloween costume veteran Jacks a spot in the SC&D Hall of Fame, there were newcomers that the audience loved at the Fisher Mall Events Center because of the sheer creativity of their costumes.
Not to be missed at any PAWS event are the volunteers who make sure to raise the level of awareness of Puspins and Aspins. This year, the volunteers from the Mandaluyong Animal Shelter brought in three native dogs — Patch, Maxim and Mendel — dressed as pineapple-pen, apple-pen and as the singer from the PPAP viral video. They went onstage singing about Spay-Neuter to the tune of the now famous song:
I have a pet
I have a pet
I have to spay
Arf! Spay your pet
I have a pet
I have to neuter
Meow! Neuter your pet!
Spay your pet
Neuter your pet
Whoo! Neuter-Spay-Kapon your pet!
The group was named the Midnight Society or Best Dog Group in Costume.
Winner for the Best Cat Group in Costume went to a group of cat rescuers known as the Sunday Parkday Gang that came in a Hawaiian ensemble as “The Cats of the Paw-cific” and made a tribute to all the dearly departed pets who have crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge.
Everyone present that day agreed with celebrity judges Janice de Belen and Valeen Montenegro, who chose a Chihuahua named Ayen as the Spooktacular Pet or the Pet with the Strongest Stage Presence. Ayen posed regally in her spectacular blue gown with matching chandelier earrings, crown and Miss Universe sash while riding a lighted float. She was definitely a showstopper in her portrayal of Pia Wurtzbach.
In line with the Halloween theme, the Betterdog Canine Behavior Center presented “Betterdog’s Home for Peculiar Dogs,” which showcased amazing dogs with specific skills.
Towards the end of the program, a touching tribute was given to Dr. Dog Hunter, one of PAWS’ therapy animals who recently passed away. Dr. Hunter was also one of the regulars of PAWS’ Halloween pet costume events and was missed by his many fans.
“This is sooo much fun,” emcees Eri Neeman and Gelli Victor gushed as they fumbled with their smartphones to take photo after photo of the amazing pets in costumes.
The event was sponsored by Fisher Mall, Alpo, Friskies, Frontline Plus, Betterdog, Smart, Bench, Mentos, Chupa Chups, Gerry’s Grill, Swell Sweets, Red Ribbon, Bow House, Fisher Box Office, Jack ‘n Jill Knots, Magic and Mini Chocolate Pretzels, C2, Granny Goose Kornets, The Dog Spa, Fisher Box Office, Fisher Department Store, Freshlook Colorblends, Jacatel, Lee Cooper, Posh Nails, GAOC, Happy Skin, Xcess Salon, Primadonna, ATC Healthcare, Vita-E, Nippon Esthetic, ilovemypets.ph, Solano and The Aivee Clinic and The Philippine STAR Pet Life section.
