Dogs In Disguise

For those of you who cannot resist the urge to play dress up with your dogs, October is the month for you. Below is a list (courtesy of Petcetera in the Trib. Sorry I could not find a link.) of some of the multitude of dog events that provide you with an opportunity to parade your dog in costume, even if it's just a spooky bandana.

Dal-loween Event, hosted by Dalmation Rescue of Tampa will take place Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. at Lake Park in Lutz, 17302 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. There will be a costume contest along with games that include Pumpkin Dash, Best Trick, Popcorn Toss, Karaoke Howl-Along and more. Vendors will sell canine goodies and a silent auction will benefit Dalmation Rescue of Tampa. All canines on leashes are invited with their two-legged escorts. For more info, email daldogevents@msn.com or call (727)787-1760.

18th Annual SPCA Pet Walk at North Shore Park, po1 N. Shore Dr., St.Pete. Oct. 18, from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Adoptable pets, parade, Halloween contest, flyball and frisbee, K-9 obedience and agilty demonstrations, vendors, music and food court. Visit http://www.spcatampabay.org/ to form a team, create your own website, or make a donation. Call (727)586-3591 for more info.

Stride For Strays, Oct. 11 at 7525 North Blvd, Tampa. Festivities will take place at Lowry Park and include treats, prizes, demonstrations and vendors. Get a team together to raise money for Animal Coalition of Tampa. Register at http://www.stride.acttampa.org/. For info call (813)250-3900 or email info@acttampa.org.

Bark-O-Ween sponsored by Stop Pet Overpopulation Together Tampa Bay is taking place at none other than the Belleview Biltmore, 25 Belleview Blvd., Clearwater, Oct. 29, from 6 - 8 p.m. Prizes for best canine costume. Admission is $10. Visit http://www.spotusa.org/ or call (727)545-3463.

Barktober Fest benefits Labrador Retiever Rescue of Florida. Drawings and contest take place Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. at Paw Wash, 2319 Seven Springs Blvd, New Port Richey. Call (727)375-7070 for info.

Pet Masquerade at Downtown Dogs, Hyde Park Village, Swann and Dakota Avenues, Tampa, on Oct.25 at 10 a.m. Prizes for scariest, funniest and most original costumes. Benefits Humane Society of Tampa. See http://www.humanesocietytampa.org/ or call (813)250-DOGS.