Woods Humane Society hosts ‘Wiggle Waggle’ festival

Woods Humane Society’s Wiggle Waggle Fall Festival returned on Oct. 29 after a two-year hiatus.

Halloween games and activities and pet service booths lined the walkway at Woods’ San Luis Obispo Campus off the Cabrillo Highway to celebrate the month of October, which is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.

“Now more than ever, more dogs need homes, we absolutely saw an influx coming into our shelters as the world opened back up,” said Emily L’Heureux, the director of development at Woods. “Events like this really help in community awareness and bring awareness to our shelter, and to our fellow rescues that help companion animals in need.”

Pets could ring in the season with both tricks and treats: bobbing for tennis balls, rubbing paws with their friends, or taking a photo with Santa, who made an early stop from the North Pole. Children at the event could adopt a rock while their parents shopped and checked out the booth. 

Dogs and their owners hit the runway in their best Halloween garb for the costume contest. San Luis Obispo resident Andrew DeSessa won top prize for his collaborative costume with his dog Maggie, who received an entire bag of treats. 

“Everyone is a winner, so it’s really fun,” said DeSessa.

The festival culminated in a showcase of Woods’ adoptable dogs, who paraded down the walkway in Halloween style as they mingled with potential adopters. Eight adoptions took place as a result of the event, Woods reported, and nearly 800 attendees came to celebrate the autumn.

More information about Woods Humane Society can be found at woodshumanesociety.org.