Northeastern Ohio Excitement Builds for Spooky Pooch Parade, October 15

If you have a K-9 on the end of a leash, everywhere you go these days the fire hydrant buzz is about the Spooky Pooch Parade. 

The Spooky Pooch Parade is the Largest Halloween Dog Parade from coast to coast.

Redheaded Lisa leaned through the drive through window at a Rocky River restaurant and excitedly declared, “I’ve already stopped at Pet People for Lily’s Spooky Pooch Parade costume.” 

Lily, a demur dachshund, is destined to be a festooned bumble bee on Saturday, October 15, 2011 when the parade steps off from 1347 St. Charles Avenue (St. Charles Green)in Lakewood at 2:00pm. 

In Westlake, a T-shirt-clad man asked the german shorthaired pointer Sabrina, the unofficial electronics store mascot, if she’ll be ‘representing’ in the parade as an ‘iPooch’. “That would be perfect,” her owner laughingly replied. “We've been talking about the Spooky Pooch Parade for months Pete, what’s your dog going to wear?”

Word on the street about preparations for Lakewood, Ohio’s Spooky Pooch Parade is spreading across Northeast Ohio as fast as fleas! (Note to self: pick up meds @ Lakewood Animal Hospital & hand sanitizer @ Drug Mart)

Cinder, a ‘fashionista’ border collie, was being groomed at the Mutt Hutt. Stylists kibitzed about how her owner will ‘get Cinder’s glam on’ for the canine equivalent of walking the Red Carpet. The awards for costumes at Spooky Pooch Parade are a coveted title. “Did you see the 1st place winner last year?” was the query buzzing around the blow dryers. Ron agreed, “Spooky Pooch costumes were ‘THE’ topic of conversation when I picked up Mason and Dixon at Inn the Dog House.” “It was the same at Pawsitive Influence,” reported Chad, with Buster the boxer sitting ‘eavesdropping’ by his side.

Munching on Pick Two combos at Panera, a table full of 20-somethings exuberantly competed for best costume ideas. Champion, a white boxer who resides in Euclid, will be coming as “Sitch” from that TV show, his ‘mom’, a Lakewood Hospital staffer, boasted. “We love the Parade!”, she declared. “And - Spooky Pooch T-shirts are so cool! You know you have to pre-order them by October 5th to get one, right?! Just go to www.DowntownLakewood.org - I’ve already ordered mine!” 

On the benches of the Lakewood Dog Park, owners barked about costumes and clever ideas for the big event. “You can’t wait until the last minute!” warned Lynne, who has 2 dogs to be dressed in coordinating outfits. “I’m checking in at Pet-Tique every week to find what Ignaczi and Stephan will be wearing. Ignaczi has lost weight and wants to go all Hollywood,” she joked.

“I saw some great things at Pet’s General!” Dave chimed in. “I’ve already stocked up on ‘clean up’ bags - you can’t have enough of those! And I’m getting Bailey a new collar and leash for sure!” As Maxine, the ‘senior’  black lab snoozes at his feet, Steve adds, “Yeah, the best part is that the Spooky Pooch Parade raises money for the Lakewood Animal Shelter and we all have a great time at the parade. Even though Max rides in a wagon!” he laughed, and gave Maxine a belly rub. 

Yup, it’s true, driving around with a furry head sticking out your car window and rockin’ to tunes on Cleveland’s V107.3,  everywhere you go, all conversation segues to the Spooky Pooch Parade. It’s the latest fire hydrant buzz among dog lovers and their furry pals. If you have a K-9, you know it’s true!

Early Registration NOW on line at: www.DowntownLakewood.org or call Lakewood Alive at 216-521-0655

Come dressed to impress Saturday, October 15, 2011, day-of registration begins @ 12:30pm