Sunday, October 19th from 1-3pm

Times Square went to the dogs for a fun-filled afternoon of canine camaraderie to raise awareness for Animal Haven’s Adopt-a-Pet program. WHEN: Sunday, October 18, 2009 WHERE: The newly-revitalized Duffy Square, at the intersection of 7th Avenue and Broadway.

It was Halloween for hounds as the Times Square Alliance presented THE FOURTH ANNUAL TIMES SQUARE DOG DAY MASQUERADE, a canine costume contest, free and open to the public.

Felines beware - dogs of all breeds and sizes have invaded the catwalk! Pretty paws and gorgeous growls are one thing, but the top prizes were awarded to the dogs whose costumes best evoked Times Square’s past or present, including historical figures like the VJ Day Sailor and Nurse, current Times Square characters such as New Year’s Eve celebrants, Broadway icons like the Phantom of the Opera, or even shady street characters from Times Square’s seedy past, because, as they say, poochin’ ain’t easy. And since this is an election year, 2008 Election-themed costumes were also more than welcome! This year’s event attracted no less than 88 canine competitors, decked out as everything from the stars of Broadway's Grease to Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palih.

THE CHAMP IS HERE

All photos by Emile Wamsteker. Please click images for larger versions.

The Best in Show prize at Times Square Dog Day Masquerade 2008 was claimed by none other than Peanut (left, with owner Heather Scheffold), who wowed the judges and attendees with a costumed tribute to Elle Woods of Broadway's Legally Blonde. The 2007 champ, Eli the chihuahua (with owner Karen Biehl), appeared in full judge's regalia to help decide the winner and pass the torch.

Other 2008 judges include Director of Animal Behavior to the Humane Society of New York William Berloni, celebrity dog trainer on Broadway and beyond for more than 30 years; and Dr. Jill Richardson, Resident Veterinarian for Zootoo.com - America's number one pet social networking site, and columnist for Fido Friendly Magazine.

INTRODUCING YOUR HOST...

The 2008 Times Square Dog Day Masquerade was hosted by comedian Wali Collins, whose television appearances include HBO, ABC’s “The View”, Comedy Central’s “Tough Crowd”, Commentary on VH1, “Late Show with David Letterman” and more. For more info on Wali, please click here to visit his website.

PRIZES

One Best In Show

A line of snoop dog clothing from Virgin Mega Store & a $250 gift certificate to Petland Stores.

Peanut reigned supreme at Dog Day Masquerade 2008.

One Ruff-Ruff Runner Up

A carrier filled with prizes compliments of Petland and Disney Puppy Costumes from Virgin Mega Stores

Sundae, as "Mary Pawpinns", claimed the Ruff Ruff Runner Up prize.

Three Honorable Hounds

Petland Gift Bags filled with goodies, and Virgin prizes

Honorable Hounds included:

Precious the poodle as a Sabrett Hot Dog (complete with stand)...

...Bandit the Chihuahua as Danny Zuko from "Grease"...

...and Chico, Manny and Bebe, who joined forces as a sailor, nurse and photographer to re-enact the famous VJ Day Kiss that took place in Times Square at the close of WWII.

Ms. or Mr. Congeniality

$50 certificate for Wellness Natural Pet Foods and assorted prizes

Fellow competitors awarded BonBon (left, in his Chi-Obama costume) the first-ever Dog Day "Mr Congeniality" Prize.

All participants received complimentary Gift Bags.

ADOPT-A-PET

This special event also spotlighted Animal Haven’s Adopt-A-Pet program.

The Times Square Alliance hosted the Seventh Annual Animal Haven Adopt-A-Pet Day on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 from 11am – 3pm at the Times Square Information Center on 7th Avenue between 46th and 47th.

Animal Haven is a no-kill shelter and sanctuary that finds homes for abandoned animals in the Tri-State area. For more information on Adopt-A-Pet and Animal Haven, go to www.AnimalHavenShelter.org.

ADMISSION: Free.