Canine costume contest highlights annual Dog Daze

Pebbles, a 12-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, won an award in her costume as a Pumpkin Spice Latte during Dog Daze.

Story and photos by Doug Spoon, Editor

Aldergate Park always has a special place for our canine friends in the massive dog park on the corner, but last Saturday, the dogs took over the adjacent baseball field, too. The annual Dog Daze event, sponsored by Valley-Wide Recreation & Park District, brought out the best in both two-legged and four-legged creatures who attended.

Dozens of dog owners brought their pets in full costume to socialize and compete in contests. Vendor booths were set up for all to visit throughout the two-hour event.

"It's great to see so many familiar and new faces out here," said Dean Wetter, general manager of Valley-Wide, at the start of the program. "This shows Menifee is a very active community and we're proud to be here."

Dog owners let their pets get to know each other as they enjoyed the shade at Aldergate Park on Saturday.

8-year-old Daisy has won awards twice previously with her ice cream sundae costume and was a winner again.

Molly, a 10-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, had fun prancing around in her gnome costume. She won for cutest small dog.

Whiskey was relaxed and enjoying the day in her bumble bee costume with her owner, Jenna Carroll.

Owners and their dogs visited the vendor booths while waiting for the costume judging to take place.

The crowd included canine superheroes as well as a tarantula. Both won awards during Saturday's event.

Roxy, in lady bug costume ,was accompanied by her owner Patty, also in lady bug attire.

A chihuahua named Bunny Ears was rocking a Spiderman costume with help from a close friend.