They say it’s a dog eat dog world. But what do dogs do when they’re not proverbially eating each other? They dress up and strut their stuff through the streets of Boston for Halloween. On Sunday October 29th Boston’s South End was the place to be, at least it was the place to be if you have four legs and a tail. Many of the dogs were dressed better than any children who come to your door seeking candy on Halloween night.

From 12:30-5:00 at the Animal Rescue League’s headquarters the 1st Annual Howl-O-Ween Street Fair was held. This was a full day of animal (and owner) related activities. Radio Disney and Mix 98.5 provided the music as dogs decked out as devils, superheroes, and hot dogs covered in mustard and ketchup showed their stuff. There was an opportunity for parents to get their children fingerprinted (a safety measure used should they ever go missing) and their pets microchipped (another safety measure used should the pets ever go missing.) Workers from the Animal Rescue League were on hand to talk about working with and rescuing animals. Artists drew caricatures of people and their pets. Food and prizes were sold throughout the day with proceeds benefiting the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

On the other end of the South End at noon, dog lovers were gathering at Doggie Day Play Center on Tremont St for a parade. Hundreds of dog owners, their families and, of course, their dogs made their way down Herald St. and Harrison Ave. to the South End Open Market as part of the 2nd Annual Divas Unleashed Halloween Parade and Contest to benefit the MSPCA (Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Animal Care and Adoption Center. The Salem High School led the parade of people and paws through the street to the Open Market where they gathered for judging where the best costumes won awards. On hand were scouts searching for talent for the Late Show with David Letterman’s Stupid Pet Tricks segment. The Mix 98.5 street team was there to provide music and fun. WHDH 7 newsman and dog lover, Randy Price was on hand to emcee the event and hand out awards. Susan Deren, better known as the Pet Psychic, was also there to give readings.

If you happened to be a dog (or a dog owner) in Boston on Sunday the 29th, you had plenty of fun to choose from. There was a chance to get your palms (or paws) read by the psychic, your caricature drawn, stomach filled with treats, or win a prize or two. What a great day to be a dog, what a better day to be a dog dressed like a pirate?