LANSING, MICHIGAN– LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Dogs dressed as everything from Elvis Presley to mystery machine Scooby-Doo trick-or-treated in Michigan’s capital Friday as part of a local pet store’s annual Howloween event.
The canines made a loop through Lansing’s Old Town Arts District, stopping outside restaurants, gift shops and jewelry stores, where their owners waited to offer candy and scratch behind the ears.
Wendy Beck’s dog, Bella, “filled up on cookies” and had to stop along the way for a power nap. This was the 9-year-old Saint Bernard’s first Halloween, but Mojo, Alicia’s town dog, is a veteran in more ways than one.
The 13-year-old Pomeranian was a tank driver, cruising around in a little green tank — an ode to Towne’s husband who serves in the military.
“There’s a lot of dogs and a lot of people. You see cute things,” Towne said. “People go above and beyond with their fashion, and you get it all. It’s amazing.”
Mackenzie Smith Emmerich was accompanied by her pit bull, Sadie, who was dressed as a kissing pumpkin.
“This is something we wait for all year, because it’s something we can do with our dogs that they absolutely adore,” the Lansing resident said. “And they get dressed up, and people give them attention.”
This event is organized every year by Preuss Pets, an Old Town facility. The number of dogs is a maximum of 200, and owners must register in advance. It’s all part of an effort to keep numbers low for safety.
Kirby Preuss said Howloween is “delightful” and “a very good thing”.
“I think now, with everything going on in the world, we need more joyful events, and this is it,” she said.