From the Editor
When the kids were young, I delighted in finding whatever costume their hearts desired, going to parties and watching them march outside their elementary school. All that changed abruptly in the teen years, but they still enjoyed a good costume, haunts, and of course, all the candy that came with Halloween.
One day, though, it ended. The girls had gone to college, and my son was no longer interested. That’s when I turned to my dogs.
That first year, my dogs were decked out in Superman capes. It was adorable until my Coco decided to play tug-of-war with Callie’s cape. My dynamic duo became a caped disaster.
The next year I tried a black bat costume for my lab and a lion’s mane for my golden retriever. Coco looked mildly offended by the whole bat thing, and Callie? Well, let’s just say the lion’s mane had a lifespan of about five minutes before it was unceremoniously rolled off and chewed up.
It turns out that dogs are a bit particular about their fashion. Anything on their heads? Nope. I quickly learned that a simple, slip-on, t-shirt-style costume is about the only thing my picky pups would tolerate.
Enter my latest fur baby – a little white Westie. My mom’s beloved dog, Bitty, whom I “co-parent,” is surprisingly cooperative compared to her stubborn “sisters,” and happy to ride in a stroller donning a candy corn fairy dress.
Last weekend I had the honor of judging the Northfield Business Association’s first-ever dog costume parade. My dog-loving heart was overjoyed. But do you know how hard it is to judge a parade where every dog is adorable? It’s practically impossible.
The creativity on display was out of this world. One couple dressed as hippies, complete with their little pooch sporting dreadlocks. Another fan favorite had a dog in a Beetlejuice costume, with the owners matching. The effort people put into these costumes is inspiring – and absolutely hilarious.
Historic Smithville also held its own spooktacular dog parade, and the creativity was just as jaw-dropping. Make sure you flip over to the gallery of contestants on page 14 to see the whole furry affair for yourself. And don’t fret, dog lovers. If you missed out on last weekend’s dog parades, Ocean City’s Howl-o-ween festivities are coming up this weekend, with a parade and special permission to bring your dogs onto the Boardwalk – something you rarely see. So, leash up your pups and join in the fun!
Let’s not forget that Halloween can be a bit overwhelming for our furry friends. Between doorbells ringing non-stop and the very real danger of chocolate, it’s important to keep your pets safe. Flip to page 24 for some helpful tips on how to keep your dogs calm and secure this spooky season.
Be sure to check out our events listings packed with Halloween fun. For more adult entertainment, check out Whitney’s Picks in the entertainment section, highlighted in yellow. It’s the season of fun, so grab your costumes (even if you’re the only one in your household still excited about it) and enjoy all the festivities.
So, as you dive into the Halloween chaos — whether it’s putting a costume on your dog, raiding the candy stash, or dodging skeletons — just remember: the best part of Halloween is letting loose and having fun. And if your dog rips off that costume? Well, that’s just part of the tradition.
Happy Howl-O-Ween!
Peace & Love,
Cindy
