I’m a serious dog. In a previous life, I believe I probably was a cowboy, quietly squinting at very distant but important elements in my landscape, like fire hydrants and construction cones, as I wrangled herds of bacon and took naps under peanut butter bushes.  I like a little space around me…definitely not a lap dog.  So you’d probably think I have an opinion on dressing up for Halloween.  As a matter of fact, I do.

Humans are odd creatures.  They are unfocused, uneconomical.  They invest in activities that have absolutely nothing to do with essentials like peanut butter, bacon, chicken, naps, walks, construction cones, sniffing for dropped treats or even sniffing just to sniff.  We dogs need to understand it may take a long time for this species to evolve.

Sure, costumes are an unnecessary, and some would say frivolous, part of a dog’s wardrobe.  All I know is that when I put on my devil horns, I get a lot of treats and all of a sudden everyone remembers that I’m the most important guy in the room again.  So bring on the costumes.  Just don’t make me wear pink. – Zip

Break out the costumes and the treats!  Enter our 14th annual Howlaween Pet Photo Contest to win fabulous prizes:  Furst Prize $150 gift bag, 2nd Prize $100 gift bag, and 3rd Prize $50 gift bag.  We’ve got two contests going, one for our Portland store, and one for our Boston store.  So choose which contest and submit your photo accordingly (see below).

Boston Pet Photo Contest:

Enter the contest via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.   To enter through Instagram or Twitter, post or tweet with the hashtag #HOWLPetBoston2013.  You can also email your photo. Just call us to get the address.  You don’t have to enter the contest to vote though!

Portland Pet Photo Contest:

Enter the contest via Portland’s Facebook page, Instagram or Twitter.  You can also submit via email; just call for the contest entry email address.  To enter through Instagram or Twitter, post or tweet with the hashtag #HOWLPetPortland2013.  Same goes, vote even if you choose not to enter the contest!

Contest and voting closes at midnight on Sunday, November 3rd.  Winners announced Monday November 4th!