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Dog Costume Contest Will Leave You Howling

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By ANGELA DELGADO, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 13, 2007

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - For Anita Becton, her 5-year-old miniature schnauzer, Phoenix, is like her child.

That is why she loves participating in the annual Halloween Dog Costume Contest at West Park Dog Park, 6402 Occident Road. This year's event takes place Oct. 27.

'I am crazy about my dog,' said Becton of Old Carrollwood. 'They do it just like it was kids.'

This is the competition's fifth year, said John Brill, spokesman for the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department. Small and large dogs compete separately for the title of cutest, funniest, most original and scariest costume. This year's event begins at 10 a.m. with the small dog contest, and the large dog contest begins at 10:30 a.m.

Contestants are given a goody bag with treats, and winners are awarded with ribbons, Brill said.

Becton has dressed Phoenix as a Clydesdale, a bumble bee and a princess. Most years they walk away with first place for cutest costume. The Clydesdale getup brought home a most original ribbon.

'She prances,' Becton said. 'She looked like a little Clydesdale, and she walked like a Clydesdale.'

In past years, dog owners have dressed their furry friends as Superman, Darth Vader, a witch, a body builder and a scuba diver.

Helen Valenzuela has used none of the costume ideas above, but she has plenty of her own. She has dressed up her dogs - Spyke, a 7-year-old teacup Chihuahua; Tai Beau, a 3-year-old hound mix; and Maddie, a 1-year-old miniature Australian Shepherd - in costumes ranging from Leatherface from 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' to Fred, Wilma and Pebbles Flintstone.

All dogs have taken home at least one ribbon.

'It's just great times because all the dogs get out there, and you can just tell they love to be the center of attention,' said Valenzuela of Citrus Park. 'And when they take off their costumes, they run 100 miles an hour because they're free.'

'There's nothing like seeing all the dogs together and competing and making new friends,' she said.

For information, call (813) 975-2160.

Reporter Angela Delgado can be reached at (813) 865-1501 or adelgado@tampatrib.com.

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