Dogs catch the Halloween spirit at Meineke Park

Superman. Dracula. Caesar. Those were just a few of the many costumes that adorned more than 50 dogs that recently visited Meineke Park during Schaumburg Park District's annual Howl-O-Ween Pooch Parade.

Owners and their pooches enjoyed participating in an agility course, tricks competition and costume contest.

“What an awesome event!” exclaimed Katrina Parkhill, owner of Lily Grace who was dressed as a pumpkin. “It's nice for her to socialize with the other dogs.”

The centerpiece of the event was the agility course where dogs jumped through hoops, raced through tunnels, navigated weave poles and ran up dog walks.

“I'm glad the weather held up so the dogs could come out and enjoy the activities,” said Gwen Strombeck, manager of Meineke Recreation Center. “The local vendors were great, too!”

Park-Wise Animal Hospital, Chicagoland Dog Rescue and All Things Woof were on-site to provide services and free samples to dogs.

Dogs and owners closed the afternoon activities with a parade through Meineke Park.