Puptown

Howl-O-Ween Photos

This is just a quick post to let you all know that photos from this year's Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest and Fundraiser are available for viewing.

We'll try to post an official list of the winners soon, but some of them are pictured below: Doggy Gaga, Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf, Lightguard, and Swiffer and Dust Bunny.

Howl-O-Ween, in addition to being loads of fun and goofiness, is Puptown's main fundraiser for the year.  If you haven't become a member yet -- or renewed your membership this year -- please support the park.

Puptown Howl-O-Ween Photos - Now See the Movie!

A friend of Coco Chanel's owner created a video out of the Howl-O-Ween photos. How cool! Take a look here -- that's Coco (obviously) in the first scene:

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Photo of Your Pooch?

Was your dog the cutest/scariest/most ridiculous looking dog at Howl-O-Ween 2008? Do you wish you had a photo to remember it?

Fortunately professional photographer Alan Jacobs, a Puptown member, was on hand, and his beautiful prints from the day are available for sale (they're not the same as the Flickr shots; they're better!). Prices start at just $2.50.

Start browsing here. The best part? All proceeds go to Puptown. Thanks, Alan!

Howl-O-Ween Photos and Winners

Coco Chanel, Wonder Woman and Elvis were all in the house on Saturday for a good cause -- raising funds for park maintenance and capital projects.

The eighth annual Howl-O-Ween costume contest was a huge success, with sunny skies and lots of laughter, especially as "Michael Yelps," sporting a gold medal, came out of his shorts. Too fast for his swimsuit, it seemed.

Also spotted: "Joe Six Pack"; "Aire Jordan"; Snow White; Snow White again; an Ewok from "Star Wars"; and a special appearance by Buck from "Call of the Wild."

We also spied some busy bees; a pig; a lobster; a French sailor; a Chicago hot dog or two; a few felons and several police officers.

Below are the winners and more photos; visit our Flickr Howl-O-Ween page to view all the contestants and a few dogs frolicking au naturel.

Congratulations to all!

Best Store-Bought Costume
First: Jenna (Pirate)
Second: Honey (Wonder Woman)
Third: Shaggy (Dog Fish)

Best Homemade Costume
First: Ellie (Horse)
Second: Sabi (Geisha girl)
Third: Ms. Joey (Elvis)

Photos by Christine Cupaiuolo

Trolley Tour Photos

Puptown's first-ever Chicago Trolley Tour was a driving success, according to all aboard, and so much fun that a 2009 tour is already being talked about.

We've added photos taken by David and Ellen to our album list. Just click here to take a look at scenes from the trolley and around the city.

Howl-O-Ween Photos - Finally!

More than 40 costumed canines competed for the glory (and some cool prizes) at Howl-O-Ween on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Check out photos of the contestants, participants and judges. That's Mrs. O' Leary (aka Minnie) and her cow (aka Beasley) on the right (with owner Joanna Benjamin), winners of the Best Homemade Costume. So Chicago!

And a huge thanks to everyone who helped to make this year's Howl-O-Ween the biggest and best ever! See you all next year!

Bowling Night: Puptown Gets Social

I bet the dogs would have love slipping and sliding on those lanes, but this was the owners' night out during Puptown's Bowling Night at Habetler Bowl on Saturday, June 2.  Photo by the fabulous Ellen Szalinski.

Say Cheese!

Want to have a photo of your pooch having fun at Puptown?  Well, you're in luck.  Professional photographer Alan Jacobs has been snapping photos at Puptown this year -- and he has been posting them at his website.  You can purchase high-quality prints of the photos in all shapes and sizes. Best of all, half the proceeds of each purchase goes to improving the park.

Terrance's photos from the Barking Lot

We just added a bunch of new photos (thanks to Terrance) from our last Puptown outing to the Barking Lot on February 10. 

Thanks to everyone for coming out.  Feel free to send in your own pix.

Howl-O-Ween 2006 Photos Posted

More than 30 dogs paraded their stuff for the judges during the sixth annual Puptown Howl-O-Ween, as dozens of other dogs watched from the sidelines, hoping for a sign of free treats.

The event was a huge success -- thanks to all the participants, guests and sponsors. And a special thanks to our judges, Mary Ann Smith (Alderman, Chicago's 48th Ward), Janice Taylor (Chicago Park District) and Scott Van Der Weele (former head of Puptown Dog Owners Group).

Please take a moment to view the contestants and the grand prize winner ...

New Photos

Just added a bunch of new photos John Lenti took at the park last month. Take a look and see if your pup is featured! John also submitted a site plan of the park. Check it out -- Puptown's more than a third of an acre.