Dogs Do Tricks, Eat Treats in Howl-o-ween Celebration on UWS

The saying may be that every dog has its day, but hundreds had their day on Oct. 26 as dogs dressed up as everything from Cinderella to Citarella enjoyed nine closed-off Upper West Side streets set aside for them and their owners..

The nine blocks of Columbus Avenue were closed for a dogs Trick or Treat night, where costumed canines and their owners celebrated Halloween early—and stores gave out dog treats.

This was the second year streets were closed and the fourth year for the event, with around 1,000 dogs taking part last year and at least as many costumed canines this year, according to organizers.

There are reportedly around 600,000 dogs in New York City and about 500,000 cats, accounting for about 1.1 million four-legged friends, or more than population of a small city.

The Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade in the East Village has become a part of the holiday and in recent years is being billed as the largest Halloween dog parade in the country, but the trick-or-treat event on the UWS has grown to attract thousands as well along with dogs dressed for the day.

“We’re having a great time,” said UWS resident Donna Mirman, who along with her terrier-chihuahua mix, Salty, dressed as Wonder Woman. “My dog and I are matching this one day a year we get to do this and celebrate.”

The day was meant to create an opportunity for dogs and owners (“pet parents”) to trick-or-treat, but also provides a showcase for made-in-New York creativity including home-made costumes with a New York spin.

A dog decked out as a halal food truck with 3-D printed and painted soda cans strolled down the street, not far from a canine dressed as Vogue editor Anna Wintour at a Met gala.

Another dog strolled around dressed in greenery like a bush, while two posed near the Magic Kingdom’s castle surrounded by pink and white artificial flowers.

Dogs came decked out as hot dogs (pun intended with the costume as the bun) and carrying a sushi tray in costumes that involved sewing or simply shopping.

If those weren’t your cup of tea, another dog looked out from the inside of a big coffee cup in a homemade Keurig coffee maker costume, while another was dressed in a UPS uniform with a small cardboard box.

Dogs came dressed as canine caped crusaders, Teenage Mutant Ninja dogs, Dorothy, and a New York Ranger on a day when the New York Jets won. Oscar the Grouch peered out from a trash can with the word “Scram” written on it. Dogs were dressed as Doctor Seuss’s Thing One and Thing Two.

“There was a little family of bumblebees with honeycombs. The parents were honeycombs, and the dogs were bumblebees,” said Amanda Gay, the organizer and director of Camp Canine, a dog daycare, boarding, and grooming business with two locations. “I saw the entire cast of the Fantastic Four. Their dog was the Human Torch. There’s a lot of creativity here. I find New Yorkers really go above and beyond for dog Halloween costumes.”

The event included live music by the Rare Breeds; a dog talent show sponsored by Rescue Treats; foster dog Howl-o-ween parade with Animal Lighthouse Rescue, and raffle winners

“We wanted to throw a dog Halloween event that is just a little bit different,” Gay added. “Anyone can participate, anyone can take their dog through the Upper West Side and collect treats and enjoy our entertainment. “

Merchants handed out dog treats in their stores and on sidewalks, including many listed on a Trick or Treat Map, at an event sponsored by Rescue Treats and the Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District.

Dogs including Sawyer Winkler, dressed in a Super-Dog costume, stood on two legs to reach tables with treats.

Gay said participants came from as far as South Carolina, as well as nearby and around New York City. “We have people come from all over,” she said.

They had a pet parade that showcased costumes, but opted not to hold a contest that would create winners and disappointment among dog owners/pet parents who found out it wasn’t their day.

“I’ve seen so many different costumes,” Gay said. “No one feels left out when their dog doesn’t win a prize.”