Layla’s pet costume parade invites all dogs and their people to join the fun and cross the main stage at the Northwest Arena at 2pm during the CCHS Pet Expo ’26 on Saturday, October 17th in their favorite costume. Is your dog not comfortable in costume, not a problem, they can still come be part of the fun!

We will have a limited number of costumes on hand, they will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

Certificates will be awarded to the “The Ulti-Mutt Costume”, “Cutest Pup in the Patch”, and “The Perfect Pet”.

Participation is included with the entry fee; there is no extra charge to participated.

 

Layla’s Pet Costume Parade is a nod to the Walk 4 Paws events that CCHS had held in the past, but more importantly it is to honor a little dog with a huge spirit. Layla and her mom, Kathy Peterson-Vanhorn, took part in the Walk 4 Paws for many years with the TRC Paw Walker team and have the trophies and ribbons to prove it. Layla would ride the course of the walk in a little wagon, that her friend Fern Bertch would always have a fun creating the theme and costume. One of the crowd’s favorites was her Jaws costume. Cathy says that her favorite was from Star Wars when she was Princess Layla.

At the age of 17 years old, Layla passed away in late October of 2024. While she is not with us, she left a legacy of love and kindness that many will never forget. Beyond the walk she was also a kind supporter to staff and clients at The Resource Center. The idea of CCHS Pet Expo came up just days before Layla’s passing, According to CCHS Director of Special Events and Communication Brian Papalia, “When we found out that Layla had passed, we thought naming the pet costume parade after her would be a very fitting tribute.”