Who's afraid of them costumes?

What is it about Halloween that makes people go costume-crazy? There are so many scary folks and clowns out there that sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between those in costumes and those who come dressed as themselves. But that is not where this article is going.

This year’s fifth “Scaredy Cats and Dogs” held by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) at Eastwood City was scary, funny and then some.

“They really came in such well-thought-out and well-made costumes,” said Rich Ilustre, PAWS volunteer and show director. “It is so heartwarming to see humans go all-out for their pet companions.”

And how.

When you have been covering the “pet beat” like I have for almost 10 years now, you really begin to appreciate how animal welfare in this country has improved. I remember what it was like when I did my first interview with PAWS president Nita Lichauco. I was working for another newspaper at the time.

“I have a cattery in my garden,” said Nita. “This is the only place we have where I can keep abandoned cats.”

Today, PAWS has an animal shelter in Quezon City, near Ateneo, where they are able to house many dogs and cats that are up for adoption.

“The shelter is doing so well,” said Anna Cabrera, PAWS director. “But, we have to continuously raise funds for it. The shelter survives on these funds.”

This explains why PAWS mounts several activities throughout the year, so that they can keep the shelter alive. Or should I say, keep the pets in the shelter alive and healthy.

But PAWS also does its share of raising the awareness of school kids as to the importance of respecting animals’ rights. They also have a Dr. Dog program whereby dogs visit sick and dying kids in hospitals to help cheer them up. PAWS is also involved in helping shape laws that will ensure that our animal friends are given better treatment and a few more rights.

* * *

The fundraisers are the fun activities where humans and their pet companions get to know more about the work of PAWS. Let me mention that all the fees that PAWS charges for each human or pet joining their events go straight to the funds, which are used for the shelter. That is why it makes people like me happy to see that there are so many humans who come out to help support this worthy cause.

And so it was last Sunday when almost 100 humans and their pets came out to join the “Scaredy Cats and Dogs” event. The pets were dressed in costumes ranging from the funny, to the scary, to the “what is that?”

“Can you take my photo?” pleaded Joanne Duque. “Please make sure that Chuckie, the Chowchow, looks cool.”

I know Joanne because she has been a participant in the Halloween event for the last three years. Each time she comes with Chuckie dressed in matching costumes. Joanne is not too concerned about her photo; it is Chuckie that she wants photographed. I have met so many humans at pet events with the same attitude.

“Please take the photo of Charlie, my German Shepherd,” said Ricky. “He’s cute and I just love it when he makes it to the papers.”

Stage parents all, these pet owners.

Here is the list of winners for the day. What did they take home? Well, there were medals, dog treats, and the honor of having been judged the best.

“We really love events which foster bonding between us and our pet companions,” said Raquel Samson. “These events are great because we not only get to bond with our own pets. We also get to make new pet and human friends along the way.”

Peace in the world would be much easier to come by, if everyone took the human-pet attitude.

I wish...

* * *

The sponsors for the “Scaredy Cats and Dogs’ Year 5 were the Petlife section of the Philippine STAR, Alpo, McDonald’s, Eastwood Cinemas, Nestle Chuckie, Frontline Plus, Sergeant’s, Toy Town, Kit-Kat, Nestea, Nescafe, Koko Crunch, and Shopohalic Pooch.