Society Dog, a social club for dogs and their people, celebrated its 10th annual Howling Halloween event Saturday evening in downtown Los Gatos.
Hundreds of canines invaded the "town of cats," and were welcomed by more than 30 retail establishments, where treats abounded.
According to the nonprofit Los Gatos Unleashed, there are about 9,000 dogs in 12,000 households in town.
Event organizers said that means almost three-fourths of Los Gatos residences have dogs. Downtown Los Gatos also features doggie water bowls at doorsteps of most retail stores.
Ghost judges were in search of the best dog costumes at contest headquarters at U.S. Bank, 127 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
Most participants registered their pooches for the event, which gave them access to a doggie treat bag with lots of goodies and the chance to impress the judges with their canines all dressed up in Halloween costumes. Winners received prizes from local pet stores, restaurants, hotels, and even a party bus ride on the Society Dog bus.
A portion of the registration proceeds benefit the Morris Animal Foundation's Canine Cancer Campaign.
“We love providing this unique opportunity for dog-lovers in such a great town. So many dog enthusiasts now count on it year after year. It’s a labor or love for us and has become the trademark event for our club,” said Terri Festa, president of Society Dog.
Society Dog has helped many nonprofits raise funds for their causes through the event and has donated generously over the years to pet charities, including: Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary, Humane Society Silicon Valley, Los Gatos Police Foundation, Morris Animal Foundation and KADIE (Kids and Dogs Interactive Education). Throughout the years, Howling Halloween has attracted more than 2,000 registrants and raised approximately $20,000.
I saw a couple of dogs dressed up with what I was planning to wear for Halloween!! Now I have to start all over again!! This was a fun event.
Marcia Traversaro