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Community Corner

PHOTO GALLERY: Check Out Photos of the Wildflowers Dog Show in Barnegat Light

Show raised funds for Southern Ocean Animal Center

Schnauzers who like to smooch and cocker spaniels who likes to wear costumes got their day Thursday, at the  11th Annual Wildflowers by the Lighthouse Dog Show.

About 40 dogs and 130 of their human pals participated, fetching hundreds of dollars for the Southern Ocean Animal Shelter in Manahawkin. 

Wildflowers owner Cricket Luker told Patch that she would love to see at least some of the funds go toward a mural that has been started on the front of the shelter, which portrays different animals that have been adopted. 

Find out what's happening in Barnegat-Manahawkinwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Luker said the fundraiser started 11 years ago as a birthday party for her, and has grown ever since. 

"The first year we had it, I didn't know what to expect, I just thought it would be fun with the animals dressed up," Luker said. "We had 85 that year." She said raising funds for the shelter is important, as the shelter has been affected by the economic downturn in recent years. 

Find out what's happening in Barnegat-Manahawkinwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Luker said there were treats for participants, as well as other prizes for their human companions. This was the first year the event had sponsors, including Long Beach Island Veterinary Service, which offers mobile veterinary service for island residents, Barnegat Light Liquor, Kim's Nails, Van the Boatman, Country corner, Deb Mix, Labrador, Ocean Tent, and the Borough of Barnegat Light. 

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