HOWloween Yappetizers Draws Serious Costume Competition

This year’s HOWLoween Yappetizers drew some serious competition this year from local dog owners and spectators alike. The costume contest has been an annual event at Dirty Dogs in Torrey Hills since we first opened our doors in 2008, but this year drew the largest competition among costume-adorned dogs.

With more than 30 dogs in the costume contest our judges had to get into minute details to determine the winners. We saw an increase in homemade dog costumes that won lots of points for originality. This year’s winner was a Boston terrier in a Piñata costume. We were blown away both with the idea and the execution of the costume.

Another addition to the event this year was pumpkin decorating. Vons generously donated 20 miniature pumpkins to our event so that our younger attendees could decorate dog-themed pumpkins to keep or display in our store.

Another popular attraction at Yappetizers was a San Diego dog psychic who appropriately calls her readings “Mutt Messages.” Beth, who communicates with all kinds of animals, says about her work, “As a pet psychic I connect with your pet intuitively and ask your questions and/or communicate your concerns to your dog.  I then let you know what information I received in response.” At multiple points during the event there was a line of people waiting to communicate with their dogs. She also helps with identifying injuries, “I can check for areas that are showing up in your dog’s energy field that could use a bit of nurturing and then provide that assistance.”

View pictures of all the festivities on our Facebook page.

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Riley Bandy heads up marketing at Dirty Dogs. He oversees events, partnerships and advertising while also making sure Dirty Dogs is helping San Diego communities and providing the best possible support to dogs in need. He coordinates all community involvement and fundraising.

Before Dirty Dogs, Riley worked for the marketing agency, Imagination in Chicago managing client relationships for Gold’s Gym, Allstate Insurance and Western Union. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California.