Howl-o-Ween At The Park

The girls enjoyed a fun afternoon of “howl”oween hijinks at the BARC park (Better Akron Recreation for Canines). Unfortunately, Alice and Macy didn’t take top honors in the costume contest. I dressed them as ”working dogs”, seeing as that’s what they are. We gave it a corporate flair instead of a field-of-sheep look, completed with mismatched sweaters and ties as well as a resume listing their professional qualifications such as: 

• Responsible for maintaining 24-7-365 security against squirrels, mail carriers and other intruders.
• Monitor dog park activity to ensure all dogs behave in an organized manner.
• Perform assigned tasks – giving paws, rolling over – with enthusiasm – especially if bones are involved as rewards.
• Provide exceptional companionship and affection. 

 The dog lovers laughed as did the judges for the “Most Original” category in the contest. I’m sure we scored high on the comic scale but the style points and the blue ribbon went to “LaBark James”, a poodle mix dressed in a Cleveland Cavs jersey with a lampshade around its face that served as the basketball hoop. Props to the parents for their clever costume. You just can’t beat the hometown LaBron James angle.

Here are a few shots from the day. The sight of dogs wilding around the park in muddy costumes that looked more like shredded fabric by the end of the event seemed more like the Halloweens I remembered than the ultra-safe versions we have today (more on that in my annual Halloween diatribe another day this week). The BARC board should be commended for keeping the park going. 

Macy’s working dog business attire. Apparenly she likes a loose knot in her tie.

Alice shows off her retro style with fat tie and blue-brown sweater.

Macy checks out some costumed friends.

Workin’ 9 to 5.

Alice takes a break. It was a tough day at work.

Cleopatra’s dog. She took the “Best Character” prize. 

Batman and Robin. The daring duo actually wasn’t getting along so well. Tinkerbell in the back won the “Cutest” prize.

Bummer that it’s blurry but the Elmo costume was hilarious in person.

Even working dogs gotta nap after putting in a hard day’s work.