BATTLE GROUND — Dog lovers had a pawsitively great time showing off their creativity, and furry companions, Thursday at the city’s inaugural Howl-o-ween Pooch Parade and pet costume contest.
The four-legged contestants ranged in size from the smallest to the largest dog breeds and everything in between, from tiny Chihuahuas and dachshunds weighing just a few pounds to golden retrievers, German shepherds and one enormous Great Dane.
The first-time event drew more than two dozen entries, far more than organizers had anticipated. Unsure of how much interest there would be, the city originally planned to have 12 contestants but had to increase that number.
Recreation Facilities Manager Kim Cederholm, from the city’s “Barks and Recreation Department,” said they had 21 contestants pre-register along with some walk-ins the evening of the contest.
Cederholm said the dog-themed event was a natural fit with other Halloween-themed events the city hosts.
“We do Fright Night here and Main Street trick-or-treating and they’ve always been a success,” Cederholm said. “I was just brainstorming with my team about else what can we do … and everyone loves dogs.”
Serving as guest judges were Battle Ground Mayor Philip Johnson, Michelle Yenderrozos from the Battle Ground Parks and Community Engagement board, Bev Jones from Battle Ground Lions Club, Main Street Floral owner Marilyn Schweizer and city resident John Idsinga.
Johnson said he already had some criteria for judging the contestants.
“Poise, and how the questions are answered,” he said with a laugh. “And the tone of their replies.”
Battle Ground K-9 Officer Charlie served as special grand marshal, along with his handler, Officer Clint Frazier.
After recently moving to Battle Ground, Laura Esler said she was looking for ways to get out and meet her new neighbors when she came across an announcement for the pooch parade.
“We heard about it on the Facebook community page and just decided to get involved,” Esler said.
Esler’s dog Otto, a 6-year-old German shepherd, took home the most unique costume award for his “run for the roses” Kentucky Derby-themed costume. The costume featured a spray of roses draped around Otto’s neck, a saddle and a jockey while Esler was decked out in her best Kentucky Derby hat.
When asked about Otto’s chances of winning, Esler admitted the competition was pretty stiff, and adorable.
“I don’t know, they’re all pretty cute,” she said.
Tammy Landels, of Brush Prairie, entered her 4-year-old golden retriever Logan along with a few friends. Logan was one of three golden retrievers from the same dame but different litters (and different owners) to enter the contest.
“My good friend Sandra has the mom of all these dogs and she was trying to get as many of her litters as possible to come,” Landels said. “We thought it would be fun to come out and make it a family affair.”
Landels and her son Silas both got in on the fun by dressing as police officers, with Logan dressed as a prisoner. She said Silas had already planned to dress as a policeman for Halloween and was lucky to find a costume for Logan that matched perfectly.
Among the costumes she thought would be tough to beat was Otto’s horse-and-rider costume.
“That one is really good,” she said.
Plenty of spectators turned out for the pet parade and costume contest, as well. Among them was Misty Pisan-Hood of Battle Ground.
“We’re just huge dog lovers in general. We actually saw the poster at our local dog park and thought it would be fun,” she said.
Along with her family, Pisan-Hood also brought her 5-year-old labradoodle along to watch and get some practice socializing with other dogs and people.
“Now that we know a little bit more about it, we’ll probably enter next year,” she said.
Along with Otto’s most unique costume award, there were also awards for best in show, best duo (dog and human) and people’s choice. Best in show went to golden retriever Karat for her Wonder Woman costume; best duo was red Irish doodle Cassidy and handler Bonita York for their bumble bee and beekeeper costume; and the people’s choice award went to Max the Great Dane for his Shaggy (of Shaggy and Scooby Doo) costume.
All prizes were donated by Wilco Farm Store, Alder Creek Veterinary Clinic, VCA Animal Hospital in Battle Ground and All Natural Pet Supply.
