Annual walk to benefit homeless dogs BY J.J. SULLIVAN III Correspondent It was a dog day morning April 26, as approximately 20 pairs of canines and masters attended Keyport's second annual Walk With the Animals. Jake, of Holmdel, smiled after receiving the award for Most Creative Costume at Keyport's second annual Walk With the Animals. Hosted by the Keyport Business Alliance (KBA), the event was held to benefit the Castle of Dreams Animal Rescue, a local charity aimed at saving homeless animals from destruction. Beginning promptly at 9 a.m. at Beach Park, a procession of decorated dogs and their handlers commenced a 1.5-mile walk through the historic sections of downtown Keyport. Afterward, participants returned to enjoy complimentary coffee and snacks while an ad hoc panel of judges distributed blue ribbons for Funniest Costume, Cutest Costume and Most Talented. Frank Chasey of Holmdel attended the walk with his sizable Doberman, Jake. Along with his 2-year-old granddaughter, Chasey took part in the festivities by adorning Jake in a cowboy costume. The get-up was complete and authentic, featuring a hat, boots and faux denim vest. Jake was awarded "Most Creative Costume" for his portrayal of a rough and ready pooch from the Wild West. Cie Cie Kochansky traveled all the way from Bayonne so her pug, Rio, could take part in the fundraiser. Donning goggles and a leather cap, Rio was awarded "Funniest Costume" for her biker garb. "She loves the attention," Kochansky said. Romper, a white Maltese, received the blue ribbon for "Most Talented" after dancing on her hind legs in front of the judge's panel. KBA Treasurer Terry Mussom was on hand to enjoy the contest. "We hoped to bring the greater Keyport area together for a great cause," Mussom said. "Aside from cultivating community relations, we were just hoping to raise money for the Castle of Dreams Animal Rescue." Jackie Hastings, founder of Castle of Dreams, was also in attendance. Hastings said her organization's mission was to save abandoned and unwanted canines from destruction. "We rescue dogs and puppies from 'kill shelters,' " Hastings said. "When animal shelters run out of room, or deem an animal as unadoptable, the animals are simply destroyed. We want to end that practice by saving one dog at a time." Joining the founder of Castle of Dreams were two dogs available for adoption. Danielle, a 12-week-old mixed shepherd, was one of the dogs circulating the crowd looking for a new home. "I am just hopeful that we can find a nice house for these dogs before it is too late," Hastings said. Jim Erven, owner of Absolute Control Dog Training II, Hazlet, said he helped sponsor the event because of his belief in the need for obedient pets. "Most dogs want to be trained. Both the dog and the master are often happier when the pet is properly trained," Erven said. "The dogs become conscious of what they are doing, and they realize what type of conduct is acceptable." KBA coordinator Joe Wedick was pleased with this year's turnout. "Attendance was better than expected," Wedick said. "We just hoped to get some money together for Castle of Dreams, and I believe we accomplished that goal." According to the KBA coordinator, last year's event featured 50 contestants. Wedick said the low rumblings of thunder heard throughout the early morning hours probably discouraged numerous dog owners from coming out to the event. At the end of the second annual KBA function, participants and organizers alike agreed on the event's success. "Despite the weather, we had a decent turnout and raised some money for a good cause,"Wedick said. "That is a good day in my book."