Cape costume contest goes to the dogs
Jennifer Healey and Skye, her 3-year-old Boston Terrier, were a force to be a reckoned with this weekend, picking up prizes at costume contests all over Lee County.
The Sanibel residents snagged a prize at Island Paws on Friday, and won best owner/dog costume at Cape Dog Bakery on Saturday.
Healey, dressed as the Wicked Witch of the West, said Skye, dressed as a flying monkey, loved the Cape Dog Bakery, and taking part in the contest was a good way to give back to the community.
Cape Dog Bakery owners Lou and Anita Simmons requested a bag of dry cat food as a donation that will go to the Save Our Pets Alliance food bank as part of the entry fee. They were also accepting monetary donations.
“We like to support our local businesses and it’s also a good way to raise money,” Healey said. “And it’s fun to do theme costumes!”
Healey and Skye were among several dozen who entered the contest, which included prizes in categories ranging from cutest small dog, best large dog, and best overall costume.
Bakery owner Lou Simmons said the turnout for the contest was good, and said everyone was having a great time. Simons said 22 groups participated in the contest.
“It’s a local thing and that’s what makes it so fun,” Simmons said. “We have a lot of regular customers here, but I also see some new faces.”
Best Overall Costume went to Bosco, a 13-month-old English Bulldog decked out in full on plumber gear.
Bosco wore a T-shirt, tool belt and hard hat.
Owner Susan Kosakowski said she has other plans for Bosco besides turning him into a champion Halloween costume contest winner; she wants him to be a therapy dog.
“My cousin is a breast cancer survivor, and when she went through chemotherapy, she had a bulldog on her lap,” Kosakowski said. “I want to give back to the community and so does Bosco.”
The Cape Dog Bakery’s next big event is LabFest, to be held at Four Freedoms park. For more information contact the Cape Dog Bakery at 542-9663.