More than 500 four-footed revelers helped usher in the Halloween season on Sunday at the third annual Barks and Boos Festival at the Under the Sun dog training and day care facility in north Colorado Springs.
Presented by the North Springs Veterinary Referral Center, the event was packed with dogs dressed as pumpkins, lions, sunflowers and more.
“The turnout has been great, and we’re having a lot of fun,” said Colton Johnson, owner of Under the Sun.
“Getting to interact with people and their dogs is fun, especially when you can help them form a better relationship with their dog. Being able to provide that for people is awesome.”
The festival featured a wide variety of activities for dogs, including ball pits, an obstacle course, a “lick art” station, a scent-tracking course and half-hourly costume contests.
Lance and Angela Tidemann, who took first place in one of the contests, were decked out in full pirate regalia, as was Howie, their Bernese Mountain Dog/poodle mix and “first mate.”
“We’ve had a lot of fun,” Lance said. “We especially enjoyed watching him socialize with the other dogs.”
“He’ll sleep well tonight, for sure,” Angela said.
Toasty, the Rocky Mountain Vibes’ mascot, was on hand for photos, as was the Mystery Incorporated crew — better known by Scooby-Doo fans as Shaggy, Daphne, Velma and Fred.
“We’re having a blast,” said Kate O’Connor of the High Country Newfoundland Club. “It’s a great event, and a great facility.”
Johnson said festival attendance has steadily increased each year.
“This is our third year doing it, and it has just grown and grown,” he said. “People love it — and so do the dogs.”
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