Norman's Howl-o-ween is a treat for canines in costumes

BY JAMES S. TYREE Comments 0
Published: October 28, 2009

NORMAN — Dozens of dogs got a head start on trick-or-treating Sunday by participating in Howl-o-ween on Campus Corner.

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For more information about Little River Zoo, go online to www.littleriverzoo.com.

Dogs of all ages and sizes came in costumes that ranged from a pirate to University of Oklahoma football player and cheerleader to Superman.

And then there was the black Labrador/beagle mix named Rooster who came dressed as a rooster. Amanda Nairn of Norman said she saw the costume at a store and figured it would be perfect for his name and the occasion.

"He’s totally humiliated, but that’s OK,” Nairn said.

"We’re enjoying it, and really he has been getting a lot of treats.”

Howl-o-ween is an annual Campus Corner event that raises money for Little River Zoo.

Several zoo employees in costume attended along with five zoo animals that included a red-tailed boa snake.

The event also had a parade, doggy poker run and costume contests. The overall winner went to Kristy Stephens’ dogs, Zorro and his weeks-old offspring Titan, dressed as a young farmer on a rocking horse.

Bull mastiffs Bojo, 8 months, and Brooklyn, 9 weeks, also were recognized as one of the day’s best pairs. Bojo was decked out like an OU football player, complete with helmet, jersey and pants, while Brooklyn was dressed as a Sooners cheerleader.

Ron Shatswell of Chickasha said the helmet was modified from a neighbor kid’s baseball catcher mask. Barbara Shatswell, his wife, said they heard of Howl-o-ween while visiting a pet supply store and figured it would be something they’d all enjoy.

The couple said the puppies didn’t raise a fuss about having the costumes put on them.

"They just sat there like, ‘OK, we don’t mind,’” Barbara said. "They’re indoor dogs, and they like to get out and do things.”

Lisa Brown also traveled a bit with her red-boned coon hound Jacob to attend Howl-o-ween. The Piedmont resident said they come every year, and her big dog loves the car ride to Norman.

Brown said Jacob is "top dog at the house” and that "boyfriends and husbands are second” when Howl-o-ween comes around for her and her friends.

For more information about Little River Zoo, go online to www.littleriverzoo.com.