Halloween hounds parade in costume

You may have heard that every dog has his day. At Ruff House Dog Park, that day was yesterday.

During Howl-A-Woof, the canine version of Halloween, animals and owners paraded their costumes in the dog section of Rockwood Park in Chesterfield County.

Some dogs played dress-up proudly, while others appeared to avert their eyes in embarrassment.

"She likes her clothes," said Julia Abbott of Midlothian, owner of June Bug, a friendly little Boston terrier with bugged-out brown eyes.

June's Bug's costume?

"She is a monster -- she's a dragon," Abbott began. "She's a dragon with a stinger and some antennas," not to mention the bat wings and feathers.

A few feet away, a Chihuahua named Sally was shivering and holding her tail between her legs.

You would, too, if you were dressed as a hot dog, and small enough to be one. However, as 14-year-old Ryan Saffy of Prince George County noted, the tan bun did match her fur nicely.

Volunteers at the dog park organized the event as a fundraiser, taking donations that would go to buy poop bags, toys and other necessities.

Those in attendance included a black dog dressed as the late wanderer Black Dog, with what looked to be an old wig for a mane.

There was Becky Blue, a husky, dressed as an angel with a not-very-secure halo.

There was Bjorn, an amiable mutt dressed as a devil, including a horn helmet with ear holes.

And so on. Let's hope these tricked-out dogs found a few treats.

Contact Rex Springston at (804) 649-6453 or .