Yappy Howl-O-Ween at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel popbuff

Yappy Howl-O-Ween at The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel

On Oct. 29th, two of my kids went to the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel Yappy-Howl-O-Ween event. It was a special event for us because it was the year that we adopted Dundee, a mixed beagle. Dundee was found at a beach abandoned and we welcomed him as additional member of the family. It was the family’s first time to participate in a canine event. We dressed Dundee as a pumpkin and of course he looked cute. I’m sure he was a little bit overwhelmed when he saw other canines interacting with him and dressed in crazy costumes. Did I mention, it was also Dundee’s first fashion show and he surely strutted his stuff in his pumpkin costume with a hat.

My boys and Dundee at Yappy Howl-O-Ween

Spencer and Charles prepping Dundee

The event was well-attended. It included complementary goodies – juice for the pups (beef,chicken and bacon flavored water) as well as Ritz Carlton made cookies. There was also food for the human companions like hot dogs and hamburgers. A panel of judges picked the best the costumes in categories – Scariest, Funniest, Most Glamorous and Best in Show. There was also the duo category – companions and their canines.

Bacon, beef, and chicken flaored water for the pups

Bacon, beef, and chicken flavored water for the pups

Each year, the event grows in popularity and the costumes get more and more elaborate. – Deanne French, PR Director The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel

According to Deanne French, Director of Public Relations at The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, there were about 1500 guests, 900 dogs at the event and about 100 canines entered into the costume contest. “Each year, the event grows in popularity and the costumes get more and more elaborate. It is such a fun event and the local community loves coming out with their dogs to enjoy the evening. It’s even popular with people who don’t have dogs, ” said French.

The scene from Yappy Howl-O-Ween

Dog lovers at the Yappy Howl-O-Ween

I asked Michelle from Mission Viejo what she thought of the event, “I think it’s a lovely idea and brings a community together. We don’t really have enough of these things that people come together with a common love and I love that they are donating to canine companions. We actually had a dog trained with them once and they’re wonderful organization. The Ritz always does things quite well. The only thing I’m surprised with is that they didn’t have enough chairs. I guess that means that’s a good turn out more than what they were expecting. It must be growing every year and getting well known. It’s always fun to see the people who love their pets and invest so much time and energy into them.”