ODCHS winner in Howl-o-ween Pet Parade
OZARK —Costumed contestants and their two-legged escorts stage-walked in front of three judges at the Ozark Farmers Market vying for the crown but the real winner of the 13th Annual Claybank Howl-o-ween Pet Parade and Costume Contest is the Ozark-Dale County Humane Society.
For more than a decade the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce has teamed with ODCHS Manager Ruth Scheipe and the ODCHS Board of Directors to host the costume contest as a fundraiser for the not-for-profit, no-kill shelter located at 579 Bivins Dr. in Ozark.
"The pet costume contest and parade is a way the community can help support ODCHS and have fun doing it," said Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rosmarie Williamson. "So, in reality, everyone is a winner and the real winner is the humane society."
ODCHS was established in 2004 with the goal of giving shelter to and finding loving homes for cats and dogs that have been abused, neglected, and/or abandoned, said Scheipe. "Donations and fundraisers are the only sources of income for the shelter—we receive no local, state, or federal funding.
"It's our amazing volunteer board of directors and all the community volunteers who make what we do to help the no-kill shelter possible," said Amy McManus, ODCHS Board President. For instance, McManus said, Terri Camp handcrafted the quilt she donated to be used as a fundraiser for the shelter at Thursday's parade and costume contest.
"ODCHS would never have never survived as long as it has without our wonderful, amazing and dedicated volunteers," Schiepe said. "When people ask what ODCHS needs most, the reply is usually 'help,'" she added, citing volunteer dog walkers, financial donations, pet food, and cleaning supplies.
"Most of the animals rescued by us have not been fortunate to experience the lasting kindness of a family," she added. "Walking and grooming dogs and playing with the cats will make a significant contribution to their lives until they are adopted into their forever homes."
A highlight of Thursday's parade was the reveal of the 2025 ODCHS Pet Photo Calendar, a fundraiser for the shelter. All pet owners are encouraged to submit pet photos. Votes are measured in contribution dollars, so the top fundraisers are featured on each month. The top fundraiser is featured on the cover of the calendar and this year's cover girl is Ellie Grace, whose photo was submitted by Cynthia Farley. All entrants are featured on the back page and all proceeds go to the care and well-being of the shelter residents, said McManus.
"The main goals of our shelter are to find forever loving homes for as many rescued animals as possible and to also education the community on the importance of spaying and neutering to keep more unwanted animals from being homeless," said Schiepe. "We do our best to give the animals in our care every chance for being adopted into loving and safe homes."
"If you are thinking of adding a four-legged friend to your family, they are waiting to meet you," she said. "If you would like to join the ODCHS mission, there are several ways you can help — donate, volunteer, drop off cans for the drink can recycling program, and participate in fundraisers."
ODCHS can be contacted at or (334) 774-7387. The ODCHS Shelter is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until noon.
Staff Writer
