By Emily Williams, Assistant Features Editor
The Humane Society of Calloway County continued its tradition of hosting a pup-friendly Easter celebration on Saturday in its annual Easter Bone Hunt in Murray Central Park.
The event, while always a crowd-pleaser, seemed to draw even more attention this year and served as a bonding opportunity for furry friends and their owners.
The event kicked off at 2:30 p.m. with an Easter Bonnet Parade, where pups of all shapes, sizes and temperaments were given the opportunity to strut their stuff while sporting their best costume/Easter bonnet.
Mary Turner, former Murray resident from Eddyville, Kentucky, brought her dogs Haley and Adrienne to the event to participate in the Easter Bonnet Parade, sporting her best pink hat complete with a flower on top.
Turner said she and her mom have been bringing their dogs to the Easter Bone Hunt for almost three years now because they have loved it in the past. When asked what Haley’s best trait was, Turner said it was definitely her personality.
“She’s fun, but she can be sassy,” Turner said.
Mary and Haley weren’t the only pet and owner duo with a special bond at the event.
Emily Dunbar and Garrison Evans, residents of Murray, brought their basset hound, Sandor, to the event. They said they named him after a Game of Thrones character.
When asked what Sandor’s best trait was, the two agreed that he is a very loving dog.
“He doesn’t need a whole lot of attention, he just wants to know you’re there,” Evans said. “He just gets too excited to see anyone, especially my family members.”
Evans said one of Sandor’s unique talents is his ability to sleep in the oddest positions.
“He will just fall asleep,” Evans said “Anytime, anywhere.”
However, the events aren’t limited to just dogs. Leroy Alan, a fun-loving potbelly pig, made his special appearance at the event this weekend, as well.
Beth Wilhelm from Murray said she has had Leroy for about four years now after finding him on Facebook and taking him in since she had a barn. She said prior to Leroy coming to live with her, he had been hit by a train and suffered injuries.
“He only has half a hoof back there,” Wilhelm said. “He’s missing his tail and almost lost his front leg.”
Wilhelm said Leroy is very involved with the Humane Society already.
“I like the fact that I can use him as an ambassador,” Wilhelm said. “Not many people understand pigs. I mean, they’re a great pet. Out of all the critters I have, he’s my favorite.”
Kathy Hodge, executive director of the Humane Society, said they continue to do this event because they always look forward to spring events.
“Everybody thinks it’s so funny to think of the dogs doing an Easter hunt, but most of them seem to understand that there is something important going on,” Hodge said.
Hodge said the event was not initially meant to be a fundraiser until they began charging $5 for the dogs to participate in the hunt. She said they usually make between $700 and $1,000 at this event, which they use for general programming.
She said future events are coming up, such as their annual yard sale, and volunteers are welcome at any of the Humane Society’s events.
“We just want to continue to provide a really fun event to be out and about and enjoy some family time with your dogs,” Hodge said.