The 15th Annual Tompkins Square Dog Run Halloween Parade October 28, 2005

Tompkins Square Dog Run

ANNOUNCING:
?Friends of First Run? and ?Shady?s Waggery? Sponsor $5,000 in Prizes
for the "15th Annual Tompkins Square Dog Run Halloween Parade"
?Saturday, October 29, 2005 at Noon

TIME & LOCATION
Tompkins Square Park Dog Run (known as FIRST RUN)
Saturday, October 29, 2004 at Noon
(Raind date will be the next day)

DIRECTIONS:
Tompkins Square Park
New York City, New York 10009
Enter the Park on Avenue A or Avenue B at 9Th Street. Walk along the 9th street path until you reach the dog run next to the flag pole.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
THE EAST VILLAGE, NYC ? Halloween just got beastlier. "Friends of First Run" is pleased to announce the ?15th Annual Tompkins Square Dog Run Halloween Parade.? On Saturday October 29th, hundreds of costumed canines will march on Tompkins Square Park to participate in the country?s largest Halloween parade for dogs. This year, they will be competing for over $5,000 in prizes, including two Apple iPod Nano MP3 Players and a weekend getaway for two with your dog.

Last year?s parade attracted over 1,500 spectators and more than 300 dogs. This year?s parade promises to be even bigger with a broadcast planned for TV?s Animal Planet. The parade kicks off at 12:30 with a ?Best Tricks? competition sponsored by ?Who?s Walking Who?s Dog Obedience & Behavioral Training.? Best Trick wins a weekend stay at a top, dog-friendly New York hotel.

Then the official competition begins with dogs in costumes parading
around the ring for:
-- "Best in Show?
-- "Best Costume - Large Breed"
-- "Best Costume - Small Breed"
-- "Best Dog Team Costume,"
-- "Best Owner & Dog Combo"
-- "Best Dog with Kid"

This year?s ?Best in Show? will go home with a stylish Apple iPod Nano. Numerous runner-ups in each category receive $25-100 gift certificates, designer dog wear and swimming certificates for the pool at ?The Dog Run Fitness Center? in Chelsea. And since every dog is a winner, they all receive a treat-filled gift bag courtesy of Shady?s Waggery.

This year?s event is hosted by Kari Harrendorf, star of Animal Planet?s K9 Karma, along with New York performance artist ?The Reverend Jen? (as well as Rev. Jen?s pet Chihuahua, the ?Reverend Jen Junior!?)

PLUS RAFFLES EVERY 30 MINUTES: it?s not only competing canines that are eligible for prizes! The Raffle includes products and gift certificates donated by Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan and other top designers as well as yet another stylish iPod Nano for the grand raffle winner!

WEBISTE:
For more information, please visit the dog run?s official website at:
http://www.dogster.org

BACKGROUND:
The Tompkins Square Dog Run (known as First Run) is the largest dog run in New York City. It is also the oldest and in dire need of repairs. All donations will be contributed to the N.Y. Parks Department for the run?s official renovation in 2007. The tradition of an annual dog run Halloween parade began at First Run in the 1980s and has spawned similar events around the city.

ABOUT OUR SPONSORS:
FRIENDS OF FIRST RUN is an official 501(c)(3) charitable organization promoting responsible pet ownership and dedicated to the financial maintenance of the Tompkins Square Dog Run

SHADY'S WAGGERY is the East Village?s newest dog boutique, owned by fashion stylist Signe Yberg and her Boston Terrier named Shady. Located just steps away from First Run, Shady?s Waggery stocks everything from the best of the basics (toys, treats, and more) to the ultimate in downtown doggy style. Shady?s Waggery, 443 East 9th St. (near Avenue A) www.shadys.com

MEDIA CONTACT:
Garrett Rosso: (212) 522-2769
Manager, Tompkins Square First Run