Dogs have a howlin' good time in Schaumburg

Costumed canines of all breeds and sizes converged with their owners Saturday at the Meineke Recreation Center in Schaumburg for a Halloween party that included games, an agility contest and a chance to show off their fine attire.

Meili, a shih tzu/Yorkshire terrier mix belonging to Linda Greco of Wood Dale, came as the Queen of Hearts. A finalist in musical chairs, Meili lost the game when she was distracted by pal Sasha, a champagne-colored mini-labradoodle whose owners - Betty and Terry Hendricks of Elk Grove Village - dressed as a spider princess.

Count Dracula, a stately German shepherd mix called Sundance, took top prize in the agility contest. The 3-year-old rescue and his owners Pam and Claude Camporese of Schaumburg are regulars at the park district's canine events.

Sitting pretty as a friendly witch was Mary, a 7-month-old English labrador retriever.

"She wore the costume," said owner Donna Levatino of Schaumburg. "She kept it on, so here we are."