Dogs Strut Their Stuff For a Cause

It was dog lovers' heaven in California's Kit Carson Park on Sunday, when hundreds of big, small and even costumed dogs strutted their stuff at the 10th annual Paws in the Park fundraiser for the Escondido Humane Society.

Dogs dressed up as San Diego Chargers cheerleaders, Indiana Jones, glamour girls and Mardi Gras clowns attracted cheers and applause at the canine couture contest at the Escondido park.

"I like horses," said Shelby Spelce, 12, of Scripps Ranch, CA. So she dressed her Chi-weenie, a cross between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund, in an elaborate costume that made her dog look like a horse, complete with a toy cowboy on top.

Sally Costello, executive director of the Escondido Humane Society, said more than 900 people, plus their pets, attended Sunday's event. "This is a great community day," Costello said, also pointing out several dogs wearing "Adopt Me" outfits that she hoped would attract new owners.

Costello said donations and cash sponsorships of 1.5 and 2.5 mile dog walks were expected to exceed last year's collection of more than $100,000 for the nonprofit animal rescue, care and education organization.

[Source: The North County Times]