You scoff and judge and take offense 11 months out of the year when you see a fellow pet-owner with her (or his) furball decked out in a glittered tutu and a T-shirt that reads "Mommy's Little Princess," and vow never to dress your four-legged family member in people clothes. That is, until October rolls around and you can't get that taco costume from the pet shop window out of your head. It's OK. We get it. And with all the creative outfit options, costume contests and dress-up tips local pet boutiques told us about, we won't even judge you ... much.
Decisions, decisions
Lakeview's Dog-a-holics (3657 N. Southport Ave. 773-857-7600) gets the prize for most creative costume selection this year. In addition to bacon, hot dog, woolly mammoth and killer whale costumes, the shop carries a number of cheekier picks including Michael Jackson, Harry and Lloyd from "Dumb and Dumber," Madonna, a whoopee cushion and a Katy Perry get-up, complete with blue wig and cupcake bra. Prices range from about $15 to $30, staffer Ola Klinczak says.
At Andersonville's Jameson Loves Danger (5208 N. Clark St. 773-754-8816), big dogs, which are often trickier to buy for, have choices too. This year the shop is selling turkey, hippo, crayon and other costumes for dogs up to 130 pounds. Cats are covered at Ruff Haus (4652 N. Rockwell St. 773-478-5100; 1206 W. Granville Ave. 872-208-7127) in Lincoln Square and Edgewater, where smaller accessories like devil horns and bat wings are available.
On the cat (or dog) walk
Dressing up Fido or Fluffy is no fun if you can't show him or her off. Here are just five of the many pet-friendly Halloween happenings we scared up around the city.
» Dog-o-Holics Howl-o-ween Muttsquerade
parade and party. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday,
Oct. 25. 3608 N. Southport Ave. 773-549-9000
» Lincoln Square Halloween Happenings pet costume contest at Ruff Haus Pets. 11 a.m.-
2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. 4652 N. Rockwell St.
773-478-5100. Prizes and treats will be awarded at the 13th annual event for most original, scariest and funniest costumes. Proceeds benefit New Leash on Life rescue.
» Parker's Annual Bark-o-ween. 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. 1340-1342 E. 55th St.
773-643-7387. Aside from the sixth-annual costume contest (winners will be named for scariest, cutest and overall best), the event will include free dog massages, acupuncture, a holistic vet Q&A and a raw-food seminar. According to owner Katie Pottenger, a dog decked out in a Honey Boo Boo costume, with her owner dressed accordingly as father Sugar Bear, previously took home the grand prize. Proceeds benefit Furever Rescue.
» 11th Annual Tales in the City Halloween Party and Parade. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26.
1 E. Delaware Place 312-649-0347. Parade travels to Washington Square Park, and prizes will go to scariest, most glamorous, best pet and owner duo and best overall costume. Proceeds benefit PAWS Chicago.
» 14th Annual Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest at Puptown of Margate Park.
2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Lawrence Avenue at Marine Drive. Proceeds benefit upkeep at Puptown dog park. Prizes for best homemade and best store-bought costumes.
Doggy dress-up tips
Your canine or feline trick-or-treating partner might not be so psyched about your matching costumes. Here's what some seasoned pet-costume veterans suggested:
» "Try the costume on at home first before there's a party or people all around, so they see the costume as something positive. Make it a good experience for your dog. Make sure you're dog is feeling comfortable when they're walking around with [the costume on]." -Ola Klinczak, Dog-o-Holics
» "Keep in mind your dog's comfort and safety. Also with going to events, make sure you have a dog that likes being around other dogs and tons of people. Don't, just for the sake of Halloween, take your dog into a situation where they're not going to be comfortable."-Katie Pottenger, Parker's Natural Dog and Cat Market