Springline hosted its third annual Barks & Boos event at the Glade Dog Park on Friday. Attendees arrived with their pets dressed in Halloween costumes, and some owners matched with them. The event centered around a costume contest, with the winning owner and their pet receiving a dog goodie basket and a $100 gift card to any restaurant at Springline.
The event featured a photobooth that captured each pet’s spooktacular outfit, as well as a live DJ who played pet-themed songs such as “Who Let The Dogs Out” by Baha Men. Springline invited vendors to this event, which enriched the overall experience with food, pet accessories, and community engagement. Che Fico’s Gelateria cart showcased delicious flavors for both owners and their dogs. Attendees were offered complementary pretzels, popcorn, and candy.
Noelle Schulenburg, the head of events and partnerships at Springline, appreciates the inclusivity of the event and the utilization of the community dog park. “We love to be able to celebrate the community and utilize the dog park we have here on site,” Schulenburg said. “We love this event because it’s not only for the people who live here at Springline, but it’s also for the greater Menlo Park community.”
One of the vendors at the event was Jennifer Kornkosar, who is the owner of JAK + PHIL, a small business that specializes in producing handcrafted leashes. “Springline is a great community. I wish I lived here,” Kornkosar said.
Pezzy Pets Treats was also vending at this event. The eco-friendly company sells cat and dog treats made from invasive fish species. “Honestly, I’m kind of surprised. It’s really neat to see the community come together,” owner Mike Mitchell said.
Attendee Jenny Liu dressed alongside her dog. “I thought, ‘Just give her some dots, and she’ll turn into a Dalmatian.’ I got the idea of becoming Cruella to match with her,” Liu said.
“Everyone’s really friendly. I met some people inside the dog park. They all love dogs. It feels nice to come out on a Friday night, so we’ll definitely come back,” Liu added.
Another participant, Meredith Rohr, explained why she wanted to attend the event. “I came here to let my dog have some adventure time with other dogs and to see all the cute costumes,” Rohr said. “It’s been really fun because they have treats. They’ve been free.”
The winner of the pet costume contest was Rusty, a Basset Hound, in his Thomas the Tank Engine costume. Rusty, an Invertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) survivor, has a spinal cord disease that makes it hard for him to walk.
“He used these wheels to get around for a couple years, and he’s doing a little bit better now, so he doesn’t use the wheels every day, but it’s a good excuse to still put a costume on top and dress him up,” Jeffery Peters, Rusty’s owner, said. “We love seeing all the other dog costumes too. It’s always fun.”
Pet-lovers mixed creativity with Halloween spirit at the Barks & Boos event. Participants enjoyed the costume contest, showing off their pets dressed in adorable Halloween costumes, a fun staple event that pet owners look forward to every year.
