Waggin’ Tails Doggy Daycare welcomed families, children and pets to its first trunk or treat event, drawing a strong turnout on a pleasant fall evening.

The day care, which offers full-day and half-day dog day care as well as boarding services, transformed its parking area into a Halloween celebration featuring decorated trunks, candy, treats and costume contests for both children and dogs.

“Our next event will be a Santa visit for everyone,” said Kate Ebert, who oversees the facility’s day-to-day operations.

Owner Thyler Hantz said the business opened in February 2025 and has experienced steady growth since then. The day care also partners with rescue organizations and is currently housing several dogs from Brindle Buddies while helping promote animals in need of foster homes.

One of the evening’s guests was King, a dog rescued by Brindle Buddies after being surrendered from a home in Coaldale. The dog, believed to be 3 to 4 years old, arrived in extremely poor condition and required extensive treatment.

“He was nothing but skin and bones. He could not hold his head up. He was the worst case I’ve ever seen,” said Brittany Chuyko of Brindle Buddies & Friends. “He was in Rush Veterinary Urgent Care for three weeks. He is blind now due to malnutrition.”

Chuyko, who founded the rescue organization about a decade ago after working at Sanctuary at Haafsville, said the group continues its mission of helping orphaned and abandoned dogs find permanent homes. King is currently being fostered by Katie Reiss and joined the event dressed as a Dunkin’ employee, drawing smiles from attendees. The event featured Halloween-themed decorations, treats for both children and pets, and opportunities for community members to learn more about dog adoption and fostering.

Organizers said they hope to make the Trunk or Treat an annual tradition.