Advertisement Well, to show how timeless that spirit can be, a great many adults are still asking that question — but on behalf of their pets.
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The Coulee Region is host to a number of Halloween pet costume contests, and organizers say they’re just as fun as suiting up yourself.
“A lot of people come in and get their pictures taken, and people seem to enjoy it,” said Chrisy Fell, presentation manager at PetSmart in Onalaska, which sponsors a Howl-O-Ween competition every year.
“I think if the dog or cat likes it — why not?” Fell said.
At Pet Me Scratch Me Dog Daycare in
La Crosse, owner Stace Spencer said their competition is so much fun they offer an array of games and make it an event.
“Each year it grows, so this year we’re doing it on two days,” Spencer said.
They expect 120 dogs this year, Spencer said.
Over at Petco in Onalaska, the costume contest keeps getting better every year, said general manager Barb Norby.
“I think it’s the most fun event for the pet parents and the pets that there is,” Norby said. “Almost all the pets enjoy being dressed up. You can tell. They like the attention, too.”
Prizes usually range from gift cards to goody bags, but it’s the fun that really counts, all of those interviewed agreed.
Costume tips
Most local contests have already taken place, but judges and organizers from Petco, Petsmart and Pet Me Scratch Me Dog Daycare offer the following tips for dressing up your pet for Halloween.
Pet parents participate: You can score more points with judges if you dress up, too. Themed costume combos always go over very well.
Be creative: The unique and unexpected can win over the judges many times.
Make it suitable for the pet: Costumes that fit well and are also appropriate for the animal make a bigger impression.
Use the cuteness factor: Don’t underestimate the cuteness of your four-legged companion. In fact, emphasize it as much as you can.
Use color: This is supposed to be fun. And nothing says fun like the use of wild and bold colors.
Try the homemade effort: You can score points for showing you put some effort into your creation, and even more so if it’s homemade.
Quotable
Here are what some area “pet parents” said about why they dressed up their pooches this Halloween.
“My favorite holiday is Halloween because I was born on Christmas. Halloween is our holiday.”
— Chrisy Fell, of Onalaska, owner of Sabrina, a 3-year-old smooth coated collie.
“I think it’s cute getting to get the dog involved. When I was growing up, our dogs always had their own Halloween baskets filled with doggie treats. We plan to take him out walking around. A lot of people laugh and the kids get a real kick out of it.”
— Hanna Comstock, of Hokah, Minn., owner of Mason, a 6-month-old pit bull.
“It’s the second best thing to buying your own costume! Every girl loves to dress up — she does, too!”
— Shelby Cloke of La Crosse, owner of Maddie, a 10-month-old Pomeranian/Maltese mix.
“My husband is pressuring me to have kids already, so this is my compromise. This is all he gets right now.”
— Jordann Ojanpa of Onalaska, owner of Jace, a 5-year-old pug.
