Kids in cute costumes are one of the sweetest things about Halloween, but what’s a close second? Pets in adorable outfits, of course!
A group of dapper dogs and one cool cat from Saving Sage Animal Rescue Foundation in Sunrise recently got in the spooky-season spirit with a Halloween costume photo shoot from Chewy, the online pet food and products retailer.
An animal’s photo is the first thing a prospective adopter sees online, so “by photographing the animals in these whimsical costumes, it helps show off their incredible personalities and individuality,” said Diane Pelkey, a spokeswoman for the Plantation-based company.
“Halloween is one of our favorite times of year at Chewy,” she added. “Seeing pets in Halloween costumes is an instant dose of serotonin, so we wanted to bring this happiness to our shelter partners and their pets, and spread it to pet enthusiasts and, hopefully, future pet parents.”
With tongues out and tails wagging, the five furry models showing off the Frisco-brand costumes included Miley as a disco ball, Rando with bat wings, Xena and her radiating rainbow, along with Cashmere all dolled up in beauty parlor hair rollers. Goldie, the only kitty in the group, took the catwalk as a cuddly teddy bear.
“Cashmere actually just had a bath right before our photographer got to the shelter, so the hair rollers couldn’t have been more perfect,” Pelkey said.
Miley, a 5-year-old pitbull who has been at Saving Sage for two years, was found abandoned, having been used for breeding then dumped, Saving Sage vice president Kathy Bieniek said.
Miley is just one of 400 animals looking for a forever home at the rescue who inspired Chewy to give back, Pelkey said.
“Saving Sage is a part of our Chewy Gives Back network, and they frequently use our Chewy Wish List feature to ask community members for essentials for their animals,” she said. “In addition to this fun photo shoot, we’re donating items off their Wish Lists such as food, treats, bowls and medications.”
The company also helps other South Florida shelters and rescues through Chewy’s Adoptable Pets service, which connects thousands of dogs and cats looking for homes based on location, personality traits and breed, among other needs.
“Chewy is passionate about giving back to the community to ensure shelter and rescue animals get the essentials they need,” Pelkey said. “Those interested in making a difference can donate items directly to the shelter or rescue of their choice through their Wish List on Chewy.com.”
Still need to pick out the perfect Halloween costume for your own four-legged companion? Pelkey said the most popular choices this year are bumblebee, cow, lion, hot dog, pumpkin, granny, stegosaurus and banana split.
To adopt a pet through Saving Sage, fill out an application at savingsagerescue.org or call 954-530-1508. To donate items to Saving Sage, visit their Chewy Wish List. For all Wish Lists, go to Chewy.com/g/give-back.
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