Dog Park Paw Parade:  It’s Howl-o-Ween 2018

Karen Brooks

It was a howling good time for the SaddleBrooke Dog Park’s fur-ever friends at the annual Howl-o-Ween Paw Parade on Halloween, October 31.

What could be more entertaining than 25 dogs of all ages and sizes running around in costume, ready to strut their stuff for the annual contest?

This Halloween had perfect Tucson weather and spirits were high as owners and their pets competed for the best in each of six costume categories: Funny, Creative, Scary, Best Duo (which can be either owner and dog or two dogs), Celebrity Character and Best in Show.

Thanks to our generous sponsors, the dog park contest participants benefited from wonderful awards and raffle prizes. We appreciate our wonderful sponsors including: Terri Maxey of Long Realty, Rawhide Feed & Supply, Camp Bow Wow, Doreen’s Boarding & Grooming, Pottery Fiesta, Tractor Supply, Mesquite Veterinary, Pusch Ridge Pet Clinic, Sunny Side Up Café, Chuy’s Mesquite Broiler, Nadine McAfee and Lynn Slaten.

A fun time was had by all! We would like to especially thank Bob Kobleski for taking beautiful pictures again this year. SaddleBrooke is very fortunate to have residents like Bob who are willing to lend their talent and time!

We hope to see more dog park members participate in the fun next year. Our plan is to begin earlier in the afternoon with the large dogs first. Happy Halloween!

Although everyone is a winner, these dogs were voted by dog park members as the best in each category:

SMALL DOGS

Funniest was Darby as a Green Bay Packers cheerleader, owner is Dan Grossman. The Most Creative was Tootsie as a Cactus, owned by Darlene Weprich; the Scariest was Obi as a Shark, owned by June Cullen; Molly was the winner of the Celebrity Character as an Emoji, owner is Evelyn Summers. Best Duo was owner Bonnie Buntain with Ali’i and Holly as cows.

LARGE DOGS

Funniest was Kelsea as a Kona Coffee Dog, owned by Garrett Ressing; best Celebrity Character was Emmie as a Hollywood Starlet by John and Pennie Quigley; Best Duo was Panda with Tom and Diane as Hula Girls; and Best Overall was Panda with Tom and Diane Aaron as Hula Girls.

Volunteer Planning Committee for Howl-o-Ween 2018 included: Mary Joviak, Karen Brooks, Carol Kochiss, Nadine McAfee, June Cullen and Darlene Weprich. Chairing the event was Karen Brooks.