Dogs Take Center Stage At New York's Halloween Costume Parade

On Saturday October 26th, over 500 dogs of various breeds ranging from terriers to Chihuahuas to Bulldogs, arrived suited in elaborate costumes to strut their stuff at the country's biggest Halloween canine parade. Now in its 23rd year, New York City's Tompkins Square Dog Parade, which doubles up as a fund raiser, is famous for the extraordinary lengths owners go through, to help their pooches win the coveted 'Best in Show' title.

This year was no exception. The entertainment industry was well represented with pooches dressed as Miley Cyrus, Marilyn Monroe and a number of Star Wars characters. The Incredible Hulk, Superman and Batman also made an appearance as did Kim Jong-un accompanied by his owner who was dressed as the North Korean dictator's new best friend, former American basketball player Dennis Rodman.

In acknowledgment of the mysterious British street artist Banksy who has been making his rounds of New York lately, there was Barksy who just like the elusive painter came in tow with canisters of paint and a bandanna mask.

Cinderella waltzed in with a beautiful carriage in tow, while another mysterious princess strutted around in a fine gown searching for her prince. Then there was the colorful dragon pinata, a cowgirl bulldog and a Zoltar fortune telling machine ready to predict the future. Unfortunately, nobody seemed to care!

Food was a popular theme at this year's parade - There was a pooch dressed as a hot dog cart, another disguised as a turkey and a third, as a Venti Starbucks pumpkin spiced Chai latte! But it was two tiny Chihuahua pups dressed in a lobster bake costume that won the judge's votes and the coveted 'Best in Show' title, which includes amongst other things, tickets to a Broadway show for the proud owners!

Have A Happy And Safe Halloween!

Resources: cuteoverload.com,dailymail.co.uk,nypost.com, mirror.co.uk,dogsandthecity.net