Story by ADIA REYNOLDS Photos by NICK McCOY
Tiger Media Network
The Humane Society of the High Plains hosted its annual “Dawgz and Draws” event on Saturday. Prior years saw this event called “Pints and Pets.” Though no reason was explicitly given for the name change, it did nothing to hinder the positive reception it received. The turnout speaks both to people’s love of the work the Humane Society does, their love for a good social hour, and their love for pets.
“We do this to raise money and awareness for the animal shelter,” HSHP employee Raina Alms said. “Right now, things are fine, but we’re coming up on kitten season so things are sure to ramp up.”
The Humane Society is always in need of supplies such as pet food, collars, and cleaning supplies. Events such as the Dawgz and Dogs ease the burden of this need. The costume contest had a $10 entry fee. Participants were enticed by the fun and the prize for the best costume: a mini-fridge. The first 20 entrants also received Halloween-themed kerchiefs.
Attendees gathered in front of the Defiance Tap Room. 
A closer look at some attendees with their families and dogs. 
A couple sits at a bench with their pet dog, dressed in a Chiefs jersey. 
Two dogs stand with their owners. 
Boxer Pope (Front) gets greeted by her fellow canines. 
Older Black Lab Jax gets a lay of the land. 
Costumed chocolate lab Rampage gets some pets. 
Rampage looks up at the person in front of her. 
Barnaby, a Basset Hound, being held by a younger attendee. 
Black poodle Stormy looks happily at the camera. 
French bulldog Rita and her pal Pope stands calmly. 
Rottweiler Zeta, complete with lion mane, gives the camera a smile. 
A Keeshond-pit mix named Grizzly shows lies in his Chiefs jersey. 
Jax and Zeta greet each other. 
A small Bernese Mountain Dog sitting in front of their owner. 
The live band performing in front of the Tap Room, and for the crowd.
Dawgz and Dogs took place at the Defiance Taphouse, with both the interior and exterior of the venue primed for patrons and pets alike. Inside, those not socializing could corral their pooch to a homemade photobooth. The background was a Halloween-themed blanket, and there was a table with costumes and props to choose from. Outside, a food truck serving Mexican food and a merchandise stand sat parallel to one another where families could socialize and dogs could sniff as much as they liked. Merchandise included dog treats, t-shirts, and more, all themed around our furry friends. All of the animals were well-behaved and eager to make new friends. Most of the dogs’ costumes consisted of their owners’ respective football jerseys, but a few got creative.
A bulldog dressed as a unicorn. A terrier dressed as a bat. A rottweiler dressed as a lion. Each of these adorable animals came with unique stories their owners were eager to share. For instance, the rottweiler (who the owner bragged came in fourth for the costume contest) accidentally spooked the toddler in the home, who confused the beloved household pet for the lion Scar from The Lion King.
And finally, the duo that stole the judges’ hearts. The doggy duet, “Peanut Butter Jelly Time,” took home the crown for the pet costume contest. The winners received a minifridge for their efforts, certainly to be used for refrigerated food and treats for their furry friends.