Halloween fell on a Saturday this year, and more than 350 dogs and their human companions came out to strut their stuff at the 2009 Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade. The parade came down Park Avenue and hung right onto Second Street and back to Livingston Park (the route was adjusted this year) where the vendor and adoption fair was held. Rescues, humane organizations and vendors participated, and people and their pooches enjoyed activities like Bobbing for Biscuits and the Bulldog Kissing Booth. Event organizer Justin Rudd reported fewer dogs this year, but the number of human and canine spectators and participants and an unusually outstanding creativity of costumes made it a hugely successful event. Some of the entries included performance art and elaborate fabrications of stage sets and performance art. Not surprisingly, there were a few tributes to Michael Jackson. The top-winner combined talent (of both human and dog) and a heartfelt humane message. The best group award went to one of the MJ tributes, which entertained with an elaborate costume-dance performance.
Parade organizer Justin Rudd walks with his faithful buddy Rosie Rudd.
What could be sillier than Spamalot? How about Monty Paw-thon and the Holy Tail? One of the parade-goers suggested that trusty servant Patsy was an afterthought, but who could say “Ni” to that ensemble?
Polly want a Milk-Bone?
Got a bone to stack with us? Event-goers enjoyed the contests and games.
Chi-ller: A Tribute to the King of Pup won Best Group with costumes and dance routine faithful as the family dog to Jacko. Chi-ller Chihuahuas included Lola, Fiona, Sophia and Zoe with handler Juliet Tomac of Long Beach.
Judy Garland (yes, that’s her name) and Gaby from Hermosa Beach push themselves down the parade route with a cartful of stuffed animals with the message “Help Save My Homeless Friends.” They won Best Dog Costume. We’re glad.
Five tongues up! See you next year!
For more photos and info, visit Haute Dogs.