North by Northwestern

For one day a year, the Chicago Botanic Garden opens its gates to dogs a crowd of dog lovers for its annual Spooky Pooch Parade. This year’s event – the ninth parade – was hosted on Oct. 21, without a cloud in the sky and gorgeous 70-degree weather. Dogs and owners alike paraded through the garden as spectators watched happily from the paths and cheered them on. Three-hundred-fifty dogs attended with costumes ranging from a simple lion’s mane to an intricate group of cowboys that included a horse, a pioneer and a cow following behind.   After the parade, dogs, owners and spectators gathered to watch the presentation of awards to the best botanical bowser, best puppy, best senior, best look-alike and best overall costumes.