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Mustard and hot dog -- a perfect match!

Photos by Beth Boardman

(Click on photos to enlarge)

   It was a colorful mob of happy people and oddly dressed pets on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010, in downtown LaPorte. Anyone driving through town had to shake their heads and smile as the block in front of You Lucky Dog was lined with costumed canines, cats and their kin awaiting a chance at top prizes.

   Some humans came dressed up, too, to accessorize their pets. A young lad dressed as a giant bottle of mustard accompanied his hot-dog dachshund. Dorothy was there with Toto, and a princess brought her frog dog.

   Among pets that came solo costume-wise were Lady Gaga, a handsome combat dog, a canine elephant, and a pimp pup and his, um, female employees.

   It was all part of the fun party/contest thrown by You Lucky Dog and the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter. Jane Bernard, the shelter’s director, said this was the best turnout and best location yet for the event, which is a few years old. Some 50 dogs and cats came with their owners to join the fun and enjoy free treats from You Lucky Dog, which sells pet accessories, treats and food. All the pooches and kitties were incredibly well behaved, and their humans did pretty well, too.

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The lineup outside as they await judging.

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This pooch, Patches, tied for best overall costume dressed as a little boy -- complete with cap and boots.

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A not-so-little (not even close) angel.

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A pumpkin cat patiently waits for her moment in the spotlight.

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A bumble-dog.

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Mercedes, a zombie dog (winner of scariest costume), parades in front of judges Rich Mrozinski, Patty Shively and Jim Arnold.

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Dorothy was there, and Toto, too.

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This pup came dressed as Woody in "Toy Story."

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A princess and a skeleton await their turns.

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Some contestants seen through the front window of You Lucky Dog.