The Howl to the Chief Pet Contest is a howling good time
Emcee Luke looks out onto the packed field as the contest and parade kick off. Photo by María Helena Carey
What would Halloween time on the Hill be without events like the Howl to the Chief Halloween pet contest? Well, it would be a whole lot more dull and 100% less adorable, that’s for sure. On Saturday, October 25, a large crowd of humans and their pets gathered at Lincoln Park for snackies, pup cups, and general merriment. To be precise, this was 100% dogs this year, though there have been mascotal exceptions in the past. There were cat treats on hand, but they went largely unclaimed. Rural Dog Rescue was also on hand, helping several dressed-up pups find their furever homes.
This year, the fun included two different homages to the Louvre cat burglars, two Belles from Beauty and the Beast plus three separate beasts, a clever costume pun for an adorable three-legged dog who was dressed as IHOP (get it?) and much more. Below, an array of photos that includes the winners–– but, let’s face it: there are nothing but winners when it comes to our furry besties. All photos by me, María Helena Carey. I also helped judge the contest and it was stressful because LOOK AT THEM.
“Bad Maryland Driver.” Winner, Funniest category. Photo by María Helena Carey“Donald Trump,” winner in Scariest. Also of note: Probably the only time someone by that name received cheers from a Capitol Hill audience. Photo by María Helena Carey“Capitol Hill Karen” and family. Runner-up in funniest category. Photo by María Helena Carey“Duke Dogs,” runner-up, Lookalike category. Photo by María Helena Carey“King Charles,” winner in Cutest–– the most treacherous category of all. Photo by María Helena Carey“Day of the Dog”, Best in Show in Scary. Photo by María Helena Carey“Beasts” (plus Belle and an unnamed Disney princess), winner in Lookalike category. Photo by María Helena Carey“Pollinators,” winner in the Family or Group category. Photo by María Helena CareyReady for pancakes, waffles, and IHOP. Best in show winner, “Funniest.” Photo by María Helena Carey.“Wranglers,” runner-up in Look-alike category. Yeehaw. Photo by María Helena Carey.Rural Dog Rescue was also on hand to help dapper doggos find their furever homes. Photo by María Helena Carey.Nothing but 100% good dogs in this contest. Photo by María Helena Carey“Artist and Muse,” Cutest Best in Show. Photo by María Helena Carey“Cat burglars,” runners-up in Funniest. Photo by María Helena Carey
