Cortland Fire Department hosted a barking good time for the county’s four-legged friends Sunday.

TAILS Humane Society, 2250 Barber Greene Road, hosted its 2nd annual Barktoberfest and Mutt Strut.

“It’s like a party for the dogs, and they love it,” said Carolyn Law, TAILS board member and public relations chairperson.

Barktoberfest was held at the Cortland Fire Department, 30 W. North St., and featured various activities for pets and their owners to take part in throughout the morning.

Highlights included a king and queen crowing, a blessing of the animals by the Rev. Mary McKinney, raffles, food, vendors and numerous “fun-with-your-dog” contests. Happiest dog, best-dressed dog and most sloppy kisses in 30 seconds were three of the festival’s 10 contest categories.

“We partnered with Cortland’s 26th annual festival and parade for this particular weekend,” Law said. “We thought this would be a good opportunity to go out in other communities to represent that we’re not just DeKalb’s animal shelter. We serve the entire county.”

Dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds sported a variety of costumes. A lizard, lobster, detective, ladybug, and Batman suit were only a few of the outfits donned by the four-legged models.

One woman even dressed in a black and white striped jailbird costume, while her dog sported an accompanying K-9 unit costume.

“The winners of the look-alike contest were clowns,” Law said. “It was adorable.”

Law said the Barktoberfest contests are her favorite.

“People get really creative,” she said. “These kind of things really help to strengthen the human and animal bond.”

Sycamore resident Judy Ainsworth attended the event with her dog, Buddy.

The 7-year-old collie was decked out as “whatever the male counterpart of a witch is,” Ainsworth said.

“They’re outside their own territory so all the dogs come out here and get really excited,” Ainsworth said.

Barktoberfest attendees were invited to walk in Cortland’s parade as part of TAILS’ Mutt Strut.

“They will lead off the parade,” Law said. “They’re not officially in the Cortland parade, but they’re a show of all the TAILS animals.”

Barktoberfest and the Mutt Strut represent TAILS’ 2nd-largest fundraiser of the year. Law said parade participants were encouraged to gather donations on behalf of their pet prior to walking in the parade. Prizes were awarded based on pledges raised.

“We want to create a community that respects animal life,” Law said. “TAILS is primarily devoted to all aspects of animal welfare, particularly spay and neuter. We also emphasize responsible pet ownership and adoptions.”