First ‘BARKtoberfest’ a success

Photo Courtesy of Donna Gould Opal wins first place in a costume contest at ‘BARKtoberfest’ on Oct. 29.
Photo Courtesy of Donna Gould
Opal wins first place in a costume contest at ‘BARKtoberfest’ on Oct. 29.

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The first “BARKtoberfest” pet adoption event recently took place in the Berson Learning Center parking lot at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange on Oct. 29. The event raised more than $3,300 for participating animal shelters and rescue groups, including The Friends of the Livingston Animal Shelter, part of the Healthy Community Healthy Youth Initiative of Livingston. A total of 20 dogs and cats were adopted, with many applications still in the works.

Livingston-based Eastman Companies and The Shoppes at the Livingston Circle lent their support by sponsoring a pet photo booth and costume contest; those in attendance had the opportunity to have their pet’s photo taken and entered into an online contest. The first-place winner was Opal, who is available for adoption through The FernDog Rescue Foundation in Caldwell.

Participating shelters and rescue groups included Animal Protection League, Associated Humane Society of Newark, Brendan Meadows Rescue, FernDog Rescue, The Friends of the Livingston Animal Shelter, Greyhound Friends of New Jersey, Livingston Animal Hospital, Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, NJSPCA, People for Animals, Purrfect Pals, Sedona Shepherd Sanctuary and West Orange Animal Hospital. Local community groups also were on hand to provide education and raise awareness.

The Friends of the Livingston Animal Shelter is a committee formed by local residents working together to help improve the conditions of the Livingston Animal Shelter. For more information, call 973-885-9796 or send an email to friendsoflivingstonshelter@gmail.com.