Let's be straightforward here: The first time you help your dog step into his new Halloween costume, the one you just slid out of the package or finished sewing, there's going to be a considerable amount of cooing commentary on your part.
You know it. Your dog definitely knows it. And any family members within earshot expect it, too. Because there's no way you can dress your canine as the Cowardly Lion and not proceed to repeat, over and over, "who's off to see the Wizard? Who? You, yes, you!"
Narrating our dog's Halloween costumes provide one of the simple joys in our complicated day-to-days. And an even bigger joy than that will arrive on Sunday, Oct. 30 when over 500 pups in wigs, hats, dresses, and boots shall strut down a red carpet in Long Beach.
It's the 16th Annual Haute Dog Howl'oween Parade, the mega muttly meander that involves human-dog team costumes, pups in extravagantly decorated wagons, and a host of other sights that appeal to both those who love tail-waggers and the spooky holiday, too.
The outing isn't all about summoning squees from onlookers: Funds are raised for programs like Operation Santa Paws, as well as the all-important cause of spaying and neutering.
If you don't have your own Fido, or if he wouldn't be down dressing as a dinosaur, no sweat: You can join as an onlooker, to cheer on the paraders. If you do have a dog, and want to join the jamboree, you can. And there's a way to donate and book a seat close to the action, too, or score a spot near the front of the parade for you and your pooch.
Vendors, an adoption fair, and a great pumpkin drop are other details festooning the furry festivity.
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The Haute Dog Howl'oween Parade is truly one of the country's most colossal canine events, thanks to the hundreds of pups who take part and the hundreds of people who show just to enjoy a vista filled with fancily attired canines. It's billed as the "(w)orld's largest Halloween pet event" which is saying something in a world that brims with all sorts of pet events nowadays.
Need a smile-maker, beyond seeing your own dog in his Cowardly Lion look? Marina Vista Park is your spot to see Spots, and Princesses, and Tigers, and more wet-nosed wonders dressed in their Halloween best.
