Dogs get into that holiday spirit with ‘Howl-O-Ween’

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We’re tempted to say nothing and put this in the picture’s-worth-a-thousand-words category. But then we couldn’t tell you about the Howl-O-Ween Parade for dogs and the people who like to dress them in funny costumes.

Three Dog Bakery Santa Monica is hosting a Halloween costume parade on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica at noon sharp on Sunday. You can pre-register and get in free, or show up at 11 a.m. and pay a $10 fee, all of which is donated to Much Love Animal Rescue. There will, of course, be prizes for costumes. Categories are: best small dog; best large dog; best human and dog ensemble; best Sarah Palin costume. (Kidding about the last one.) The bakery makes even more money for the charity by having the audience of passers-by the parade attracts vote on best costumes with donations of money.

And, yes, you actually can buy that hot dog costume, pictured above -- in the bakery. ‘You can get it with either mustard or ketchup, depending on what you think best fits your dog,’ said Rocky Keever, the owner of the Santa Monica location.

‘Some people think we are crazy for having our dogs dress up,’ said Keever, ‘but the point is to raise money for charity so we can put those abused, neglected, hungry animals into loving arms.’

And speaking of pets and Halloween, check out Your Scene for a variety of dogs and cats in costume. Or submit your own photo.

-- Carla Hall