Raising money and spirits for pet charities

Long Island animal rescues and shelters let the dogs out last weekend at The Refuge in Melville for the restaurant’s fifth annual ‘Howl-o-ween’ themed Barkin’ Brunch. The event wrapped up a series of brunch fundraisers that began in April and benefited nine local charity groups.

During the Sunday celebration, which featured food, drinks and a parade of pets in costume, representatives from Tito’s Handmade Vodka presented $1,500 donations to each of the nine organizations.

The groups that took part in this year’s Barkin’ Brunch events were Ruff House Rescue, Bideawee, Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center, Long Island Bulldog Rescue, Last Hope Animal Rescue, Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, Ollie’s Angels Animal Rescue, Long Island Dog Group, and United Against Puppy Mills.