Warwick residents gathered Saturday for a family‑friendly Halloween celebration that combined a costume contest with a scenic dog walk, all to benefit the Warwick Animal Shelter. The event was organized by Melodi Landi, owner of Furry Fellas Dog Walking and Pet Sitting, who launched the annual tradition four years ago as a way to give back to the community.
Community participation and fundraising
Participants and their canine companions trotted the 2.8‑mile loop around City Park, enjoying the crisp autumn air and the sight of dozens of dapperly dressed dogs. “I’m a huge animal lover and it’s a fun event for people to get out, exercise with their dogs, meet some other dog parents,” Landi said.
Judy Salvador, volunteer and board chair of the Warwick Animal Shelter, highlighted the importance of the proceeds. “We’re an all‑volunteer organization, so every penny that we raise goes towards helping the animals at the shelter,” she explained. The funds will support a range of needs, from unexpected surgeries to reward money for information that leads to the arrest of owners who abandon their pets.
Raising awareness for shelter needs
In addition to fundraising, the event served as a platform for the shelter to share urgent cases. Salvador distributed a flyer seeking information about a severely underweight German Shepherd found unattended in City Park with significant ear infections. The shelter hopes community tips will help locate the dog’s owner and prevent future neglect.
“I think they’re an amazing organization and there’s a lot that goes into it,” Landi added, emphasizing the value of local support for the shelter’s mission.
Looking ahead
The success of this year’s costume contest and hike reinforces the power of community‑driven initiatives to support local nonprofits. Organizers plan to continue the tradition, encouraging more dog owners and families to participate in future events that combine recreation, philanthropy, and a love for animals.
Residents interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more about the Warwick Animal Shelter can visit the shelter’s website or attend upcoming community events.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
