October is Love a Dog Month.

About 40 percent of O'ahu homes have dogs, and this is a great time to indulge your dog in a new adventure. There are plenty opportunities for fun. Try the nearest off-leash dog park, or McInerny Dog Park, where you'll meet other dogs and owners.

Or, head for the next Paws on the Path Hike, to explore Waimano Ridge in Pearl City. The hike, 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, welcomes all friendly dogs and their owners.

Dog owners can pack the leash, round up the family and head for Thomas Square for the free K-9 Game Day and Howl-oween party, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Highlights include a wide selection of dogs available for adoption and activities for pets; keiki fun, including musical hula hoops, obstacle courses and more. Kids in costume can head for the pumpkin patch for pumpkin decorating. Each booth will have plenty of treats for trick-or-treaters and their dogs.

Cats are invited to enter the pet costume contest at noon. Prizes include a one-year supply of Nutro pet food; other treats will be awarded to scariest, funniest and best owner/pet duo costumes. Santa Claus will arrive for pictures with Santa Paws. Have a holiday family photo with Fido, taken by a professional photographer for a $20 donation to the Hawaiian Humane Society.

Dogs can visit the Pooch Parlor, where massage, grooming and nail painting will be offered.

And at the Hawaiian Humane Society, during Love a Dog Month, each adoption includes a one-month supply of heartworm preventive, treats from Bark Avenue and Nutro pet food.

ADOPTABLES

NUTMEG

Tag No. 72754. A beautiful calico coat composed of muted pastels is worn by this 2-year-old gal. Very people-oriented, this sociable feline likes some other cats, but not all other cats. Nutmeg is spayed and waiting for you now at the Cat House.

GONZO

Tag No. 77972. The ultimate poi dog, Gonzo is an adorable mix of beagle and pug. He's just 10 months old, the perfect age to begin training. Those lucky dogs adopted during Love a Dog Month (October) go home with extra gifts.

These particular animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Avenue are open noon to 8 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. The incoming animals area is open 24 hours. If you've lost or found an animal, call the society immediately at 946-2187, ext. 285. See www.hawaiianhumane.org.