HALLOWEEN COSTUMES FOR DOGS!!!

YAY!! the Halloween costumes are here for 2009 and we are stoked!

Now, a wee bit of backtracking in that I am not one to dress up dogs in a fluffy manner for everyday type walking around rather I like cold weather equipment used properly to keep dogs dry and warm when needed. Nothing to get in the way of the "smell test" of other dogs in my opinion but here is where I sound like a hippocrate because I really have fun with the dressing up of Fido for a fun night of Halloween.
There are some considerations to factor in with regard to safety and they are pretty important:
NO MASKS on the dogs that are made of plastic and could impede vision or safety....no dangly bits that could be caught up in anything or be swallowed when chewed.
If the dog is panting or distressed by the costume after wearing it for 5-6 minutes then forgo the option and maybe just throw on a fun bandana in a Halloween print...easy-peasy!
For those who have dogs that like the interaction and attention and dig the costume I offer the concept of themed duos.......Imagine Sonny and Cher with your dog in a black wig and moustache....you KNOW that long black wig is just waiting for you...........and ya KNOW you wanna!
Either way have a great time with the festivities!
Here at the Pet store Woofles and Meowz we have about 14 different types of costumes from Dinosaurs to Fellons and from Lions to Cheerleaders........different sizes and styles.
Stop by before October 31st for the best selection...........last year was an absolute blast.
Also check out the article in LOV Magazine theres always cool stuff in there!
Happy Haloweener dog!!
WOOF!

Woofles and Meowz Pet Bakery and LOV magazine

Recently we(well, me) here at the store were approached to do some editorial work for Living Out Magazine. (www.lovmag.com)
This magazine was looking for some insight into the Vancouver pet scene from someone on the inside and I try to do them justice in that arena. Check out the September issue entitled "A DOG BY ANY OTHER NAME".
It's a commentary on mixed breed dogs, purebreeds and the benefits of both.
In the next month we will talk about all the FUN of Halloween with your favourite four footed friend....stay tuned!

Halloween costumes for pets.

So...as probably mentioned, last year I said to myself..."nahhh I'm not gonna bring in any halloween costumes...nobody will want them most likely"........boy was I WRONG!!!
Every hour from October 1st to the All Hallows Eve I had people ask for costumes.
THIS year I looked around and ordered several types with decent construction and materials that would not be too fussy for the dogs to wear...........they are flying off the shelves to say the least. YAY!
Here in Vancouver which was once called "the no fun city" it seems we have turned things around dramatically. There are, again, festivals and fireworks and with the Olympic games in 2010 coming and the "International Out Games" in 2011 so many things that will make this city a fun one once again.
Halloween and parades of pets in costumes are big stuff here from what I have seen and heard as well.
I wonder if it is the trade off of children for pets or simply a nostalgia ride for many who have chosen not to have children and are past the dressing up stage??
I have always said that Halloween is an adult holiday and more truly an Gay adult holiday...after all the gays did create all the good parties and invited the straights to participate..."as long as you didn't show it" or "flaunt your heterosexuality".
Luckily with the excuse to wear your wives pantyhose...most people didn't....and we were all glad. It was a time to party and relax and not worry about labels or looking silly.
But I digress.
Halloween costumes for the pooches seem to be the thing this year for those too cool or can't seem to fork over the expense for an adult costume....a fun and interesting doggy costume can be had for a mere $20 or as simple as a witches hat for $4....anything to get the picture before it gets thrown off.
The major benefit of all this, of course, is that any healthy interaction between pet and owner is a good one.
Any and all fun play for a pet will keep them happy and healthy and if that means a spooktacular pet parade in your city or dressing the pet up as you trick-or-treat with the kids can be fun!!
WOOF!!!

Halloween dog costumes

So THIS year I brought in a whole slew of costumes for Halloween for the pooches and a few items for the cats as well. Mostly for the cats I have collars that are festively adorned with tule cut in leaf and bat shapes and witches hats with or without scary hair attached...FUN!!
For the dogs I HAD to bring in the ever faithful "hotdog" costume which is nothing more than two soft buns that run the side of the dog's body with either a mustard or red "ketchup" along the back...tooooo funny.
Last year I thought "nahhhh nobody is wanting costumes for their dog and I may be stuck with them"....WRONG!!!! I was asked almost every hour from October 1st to the end of the month.
This month the shelves at Woofles and Meowz offer the Dinosaur...the skunk...the spider...the tuxedo and the cheerleader costumes.....plus a few other goodies.
I offer apologies to all cats who will be tormented mercilessly while Aunt Margerie tries to take the picture while they balance the witches hat on their furry head. OR
to the dogs who will be dragged through the neighborhood wearing a costume that will make even the most ferocious dog look like the skunk "Pepe LePew" from Warner Bros cartoon fame........TRICK OR TREAT!!!!