Win $1,000 airfare voucher for your dog!

It’s the spooky soiree of the season for the pups, with Long Island Dog Owners’ Group’s (LI-DOG) annual Howl-O-Ween party at the Pine Grove Inn (One 1st Street, East Patchogue) on Sunday, Nov. 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“Calling all spooky pups, silly mutts, and dressed-up doggos—it’s time to unleash the fun! LI-DOG is taking over The Pine Grove Inn for an afternoon packed with creative costumes, festive activities, and plenty of reasons for dogs and their people to celebrate together,” said LI-DOG in a statement about the fur festivities.

“Our Howl-o-Ween Pawty is an important fundraiser for LI-DOG, which works to get more access to public parks and beaches on Long Island for dog owners and their pups! So, grab your dog-loving friends and family and join us on Nov. 1 for what should be a lot of fun and a great way to support LI-DOG’s work!,” said LI-DOG president, Ginny Munger Kahn.

Many local vendors generously donated to the cause, with the grand prize being a raffle for a $1,000 flight voucher with RetrievAir. On RetrievAir, designed for pets in mind, your dog will receive their own seat in a calm environment with treats and water available throughout the entire flight.

Some of the destinations serviced by RetrievAir include Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, New York City, Scottsdale, and Washington.

For reference, a basic flight from New York to Atlanta for one human and one 40-to-70-pound dog during the December travel season is approximately $1,450.

The popular “Costume Contest” will be held this year, with Pine Grove’s lawn serving as a “personal runway” for pups.

“Bring out the capes, crowns, clever characters, and coordinated ensembles for a costume contest where originality gets its moment in the spotlight,” said LI-DOG.

There are two categories in the contest: 

• Best Standalone Pet: With the focus on creativity, pups have come as traditional werewolves and fairies, but as a taco or a hot dog.
• Best Dog & Human Team: Pet parents are encouraged to pair up for a themed costume that shows off imagination. Some previous years featured a pup pilot and his flight crew, Cruella de Vil and her dalmatians, and Old McDonald and his farm animals.

Pet Wants Great South Bay generously sponsored the costume contest prizes in each category and feature a collective of $300 in prizes.

Pet Wants offers all-natural food, chews, treats, supplements, and more for dogs and cats. They will have a booth at the event for attendees, human or canine, to explore their products and learn more about what they offer.

LI-DOG also had other “pawty” highlights including:

• Pup-friendly snacks and bites for humans, available for purchase during the event.
• Photo opportunities to pose against a playful Halloween backdrop filled with pumpkins, spooky scenery, and seasonal flair.
• Creating a paw-print painting with your dog or decorating a spooky Halloween-themed cutout to bring home as a festive memento.
• Special guests will be in attendance as VIPs (Very Important Pet vendors) sharing dog-friendly goodies and gear and valuable resources and services for you and your four-legged family members.
• Wyldfire Photography will be on hand ready to snap picture-perfect shots of you and your pup dressed for the pawty.
• Bark and Bead will be there with their festive handmade beaded collars and matching bracelets.
• Community Pet Supplies will have treats, toys, and information on their upcoming Photos with Santa event.
• Farmina Foods will tell you about their healthy pet meals and offer your pup a tasty morsel.
• NY Safe Haven Animal Rescue will bring their adorable adoptable pups to the event.
• Pet Wants Great South Bay. Discover fresh, healthy pet food and all-natural chews and treats made for your furry family.
• Who Lets Your Dog Out dog walking and dog care services will set up a small agility course.
• DJ and longtime dog lover Mike Kaplow and his trusty sidekick Ms. Maroney will be featuring a playlist of dog and human tunes to enjoy.

Other raffle basket donations were made by: All Island K9 Services, Behr’s Boutique, Brutus Bone Broth, Community Pet Supplies, The Fish Store Market & Restaurant, Health Extension Pet Products, Alan Meschkow, Gail Meschkow, Momo’s Too Sports Bar & Grill, Laura Pea Photography, Pindar Vineyards, Stew Leonard’s, Stop & Shop, and Who Lets Your Dog Out, among others.

Discounted advance tickets for $15 per person are now available for purchase.

On the day of the event, tickets will be $20 per person. Dogs and children 12 and under are free.

For the fun and safety of all humans and pets:

• Please be aware dogs must remain leashed on non-retractable leads at all times. 
• Please walk your dog before entering the venue. 
• Only service dogs are permitted inside the restaurant.

In the event of inclement weather, please check www.lidog.org, Facebook, or Meetup the morning of the event.

“If there is no announcement, the Pawty is on,” said Munger Kahn.