This fall marks the eleventh anniversary of Howl-O-Ween, an event co-sponsored by UT Gardens and the veterinary college that caters to dogs and dog lovers with something fur everyone.
Each October, more than 1,300 people and 400 or so dogs attend the pawsitively amazing event that features a pooch parade and pet expo. Local dog lover Erin Donovan emcees the costumed pet parade; judged categories include bad to the bone (scariest), funny bone (funniest), do(g) it yourself (homemade), pup culture (pop culture/character), and Judges’ Choice awards, including Bone-a-Fido (best in show).
The puparazzi goes crazy over the timeless wiener dog getup to the creative costumes that have included Baby Yoda, a Tennessee cheerleader, a gladiator, moonshining bloodhounds, and creations that incorporate mobility devices for dogs on wheels such as the Pupmobile. Group costumes that incorporate humans, such as the cast of Wizard of Oz, are also crowd favorites and generate a round of a-paws for the participants.
The event also features an expo of educational booths, pet businesses, and rescue groups. Each year attendees are encouraged to participate in a food drive to benefit the Companion Animal Initiative of Tennessee (CAIT), an outreach program at the veterinary college that works to improve the lives of companion animals and reduce the homeless pet population in Tennessee by promoting humane education and spay/neuter initiatives.
The event is held in the UT Gardens located at 2518 Jacob Drive. It is free to attend, but if you think you have a supawstar, there is a small fee to be entered in the pooch parade. Each year, event details are available at tiny.utk.edu/howloween.
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