The courtyard of La Encantada was filled last Friday with dogs dressed to look like something other than dogs.
There was Sophie the ladybug Shetland puppy; Bud the Elvis-impersonating Australian cattle dog; a skunk otherwise known as Sushi; a long-haired Chihuahua, a Maltese and a beagle dressed as pumpkins; three bichons frisés painted to look like puppies from "101 Dalmatians"; and many more.
They all attended the Mutts-querade Benefit Costume Party at the shopping center, 2900 E. Skyline Drive, with their owners to support Cause Four Paws, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping pets and their owners in times of need.
The costume party was the kickoff event for the charity, which was started this year.
"We wanted to make the community aware of us and to raise money for our organization," said Cause Four Paws president Jan Woods. "There is a huge need in the community for owners to access funds to take care of their animals. The alternative for owners without money is euthanizing their pets."
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"We want to keep families together," said Bud Foster, Cause for Paws board member and the event's emcee. "I can't think of anything better then that."
The event included gourmet appetizers, beer, wine, a silent auction, costume contests and a professional photo booth.
For more information on the organization, call 795-9951 or visit the group's Web site at www.causefourpaws.org.
