Throw a Howl'O'Ween Party!

Email this| Posted Oct 13th 2009 2:00PM by Erin Loechner

Filed under: Decorating + Crafts, Holiday How-To, Entertaining, Traditions

dog, costume, bulldog, halloween, rooster

Fido's ready to par-tay! Credit: The Rochester Canine Playgroups/Flickr

Face it -- pets are a big part of our society today. And by big, I mean massive. Integral. Necessary, even. I once had a friend who insisted on bringing her chihuahua with her to every social function she was invited to. Naturally, her invites began to dwindle after incessant barking began to distress the other (read: human) guests. But -- something tells me that for this party? For this party, she'd be at the top of the invite list.

This year, throw a Howl'O'Ween Party for your furry friends and their owners. After all, Halloween is the one day a year you have a free pass to clothe your dogs without sideways glances from disapproving neighbors. Don't worry about the details -- Holidash has them covered:

1. Host your party at a park, or a home with a large, fenced-in yard to give the dogs plenty of space to run around. A happy dog makes a happy guest, and a happy guest makes a happy host!
2. Send out invitations (addressed to the dogs, of course!) to no more than six of your closest pet-toting pals. Too many pets in one place is never a good idea, and do your best to choose dogs that are socially-adapted.
3. Keep a lidded garbage can, pooper scooper and trash bags handy for unexpected "treats."
4. Purchase a few Halloween-themed dog treats (I love these adorable carob dog cookies!) and invite a local dog trainer to come teach your old dogs new tricks!
5. Plan a fun, entertaining game such as a pet costume contest or craft. Award the winners with extra treats (or tricks, if you're feeling naughty!).

At the end of the evening, your dogs will go home exhausted, leaving you to enjoy your Hallow's Eve bark-free. I'll howl to that!

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Pets in Costumes

Sure, they may not love having a witch's hat, bunny ears or an Afro wig strapped to their heads, but let's face it -- pets look too cute in costume not to dress them up for Halloween. Just check out Brutus as a bumblebee! Bee costume, $12, www.buycostumes.com.

Do you have a funny Halloween pet photo? Show us! Upload it here.

Wajmah Yaqubi

Pets in Costumes

Wajmah Yaqubi

With a mug like this, we're pretty sure her neighbors are going to dig up some milk bones when this Boston Terrier comes a knockin'. Even if she is dressed up as Wendy.

23905174@N00/Flickr

Most cats would rather do your laundry than put on a hat and shirt, but Chloe takes this spider costume in stride, and strikes a ferocious pose to boot!

faeryboots/Flickr

This pug puppy may be named Bacon, but he looks sweet as honey in his bumblebee costume!

Kerry Potter McCormick

He wanted to be Hannah Montana this year, but this daisy design is starting to grow on Leo. Daisy Dog costume, $9, www.buycostumes.com.

Wajmah Yaqubi

Ally looks autumnal in this gourd-gous costume! Want to dress your pooch as a pumpkin? Perfect. Pumpkin dog costume, $15, www.buycostumes.com.

Mary Kearl

Do we really need to tell you this hound dog's favorite Elvis tune? Brutus channels the King circa 1970 in a studded white suit. $23, www.buycostumes.com.

Wajmah Yaqubi

Pretty Candy is so used to being called a hot dog by other pooches, she just decided to go with it this year. Hot Dog costume, $23, www.buycostumes.com.

Kathy Kottwitz

Remember when he chewed up your brand new shoe? Don't forget to dress up your little devil this year. Devil Dog costume, $9, www.buycostumes.com.

Wajmah Yaqubi

Dude, where's my bone? Turbo channels Abbie Hoffman. Hippie Costume, $13, www.buycostumes.com.

Tania Pirozzi, AOL