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JAMESTOWN – An event that brings together Halloween and pets is back this year, and is getting ready to feature an inspiration story from the county’s local animal shelter.
Known as the ‘Paws Pets Costume Parade” the fundraiser benefits the Chautauqua County Humane Society and is happening Saturday, October 30 at the Chautauqua Mall.
Director of Community Relations Brian Papalia tells us that there will be several festive activities taking place, including a ‘Howl-O-Ween’ shop from noon to 4 p.m. and a ‘Flannel Fest’ with a ‘Candy Crawl’ booth from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“We will have t-shirts for people that fundraise $50 or more, we are designing them right now they are pretty cool,” Papalia furthered. “Their is also just a lot of fun stuff we have Ledger who is a dog that was adopted from here in 2019 he actually has gone on to win some of the highest trick training awards from the American Kennel Club.”
Over the last two years Papalia says the Humane Society has worked hard to provide services to furry friends in need.
“We are doing a lot more to help try keep pets in homes with the pet pantry working with the Salvation Army and the one we have here through our the healthy pet clinics that we done,” explained Papalia.
During the pandemic the group had to hold off on allowing volunteers to lend a hand, however now they are getting ready to reopen their doors.
“We are looking to open up our volunteer program coming up in mid-November and we will be getting more information about that, that’s also a huge component we just haven’t had for the most part since COVID,” said Papalia.
The Humane Society appreciates any and all help they receive from the community. In the end Papalia says the community is what keeps them going.
“We don’t get county funding a lot of people get that impression because of the Chautauqua County Humane Society name, that is not true we get all of our funding from the community,” Papalia explained.
Those looking to volunteer can learn more online at CHQHumane.org. As for the Halloween festivities, the parade is open to both dogs and cats in costume or not.
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