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Dogs will howl at the world's largest Halloween pet parade

Kristin Williams' photo
Anaheim Dogs Examiner

All photos courtesy of hautedogs.org / Justin Rudd

9th Annual Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade
Saturday, October 31, 2009

Halloween in Southern California just wouldn’t be the same each year without cool costumes, way too many treats, and of course big, wet, sloppy kisses at the infamous “Bulldog Kissing Booth”…

If you and your four-legged friends have never been to the Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade, this is the year to bring the dogs (and kids) down to Long Beach and experience the world’s largest Halloween pet event, which boasted more than 600 costumed pets last year and raised over $13,000 for local animal charities. You’ll find the little canine ghouls and goblins gathering at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31 at 4900 E. Livingston Dr. (@ Park Ave. in Belmont Shore). The parade starts at 2:30 p.m.

Kids or adults in costume are invited to lead their costumed pups along the parade route and prizes will be awarded to the top “lucky” thirteen in the categories of Best Costume (dog and human), Best Group and Best Float.

The parade kicks off with a traditional Times Square-style “Great Pumpkin Drop” which lands with a massive, hide-your-loved-ones splat and is a huge hit with the kids, as you can imagine. Also featured is “Bobbing for Howl’oweenies” which is a huge hit with the dogs, as you can also imagine. And, as promised, the “Bulldog Kissing Booth” will be back again this year, featuring 28 English Bulldogs ready to smooch in the name of charity. If you can get past the gross-out factor, it’s an adorable way to make money for a great cause: Operation Santa Paws. 

There will also be a Vendor and Pet Adoption Fair on site to provide interesting products, food and pet education.

The annual 6-block parade is co-sponsored by Haute Dogs, Justin Rudd and Councilman Gary DeLong. It's free to come spectate, and a $10 donation to enter your dog in the parade and costume contest. You can bring your own lawn chairs, or take advantage of the $5 chair rentals at the park.

      

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, Anaheim Dogs Examiner

Kristin Williams is a professional writer and is owned and tolerated (especially when it's dinner time) by two wily Whippets, Ludwig and VanD. The three love to share their tales (or tails as the case may be), but Kristin does the typing; she's the only one with thumbs. kw.examiner@gmail.com

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