Little paws, big hearts

Are you ready to HOWL?

Each year, the Sunday before Howl-o-Ween our beautiful community will gather and celebrate our shared connection of the love of dogs, the love of costumes, and the love of playful silliness.

Big or Small we love them all.

Tiny paws, grand hearts — small and old dogs parade through our lives like royalty in well-loved capes, escorted not by trumpets but by the steady, caring arms of their owners. Their steps may be shorter, their snores louder, and their zoomies fewer, but every wiggle of a whiskered chin and every trusting sigh says: I’ve got love to give.

These pint-sized and silver-muzzled companions teach us the big stuff: patience, devotion, and how to find joy in a sunbeam. They celebrate naps as an art form, insist that every lap is the VIP seat, and remind us that true leadership comes from a gentle paw. Whether it’s a geriatric snuggle who knows the map of your heart by memory or a teacup troupemate who rules the roost from a blanket throne, their presence makes ordinary moments parade-worthy.

So here’s to the small and the seasoned — may your treats be plentiful, your naps uninterrupted, and your walks short but majestic. After all, life’s best dog-sized parades are always led by love (and maybe a squeaky toy).

Monsters Ink took the Stage

Dressing up together turns walks and weekend photos into a playful performance—owners and dogs matching silly hats, cozy sweaters, or themed costumes, sharing laughs and extra snuggles while creating memories (and hilarious selfies) that make every day feel like a small celebration of their bond.

Participants of every age.

The Howl-O-Ween Dog MOB on 10.25.2026 was a spooktacular tail-wagging bash that turned our usual bark-and-play into a full-on costume parade and puppy party; dozens of dogs and their humans showed up in delightful, inventive outfits—from a trio of squeaky pumpkin pups to a glamorous skeleton greyhound. By sunset the costume judges announced winners, phones were stuffed with adorable photos, and tired, happy pups left with singing hearts and smiling owners, already dreaming about next year’s mayhem. The SUNDAY before Halloween, next year’s date is 10.24.27 at 3:00pm.

Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf

A sea of wagging tails, rainbow bandanas, and joyful chaos — the 12th Annual Dog Mob captured pure canine celebration. Pups of every size and stripe mingle nose-to-nose, humans grin beneath floppy ears, and a confetti-sprinkled frisbee hangs mid-flight like the party’s punctuation. It’s a snapshot of community: playful pups practicing polite greetings, volunteer handlers guiding the fun, and sunshine casting spotlight moments on squeaky-toy victories. If joy had a muzzle, this photo would wear it proudly — exuberant, friendly, and utterly paws’itive. Frank, the Wolf is a member of our pal pack at PPDT.

Spectators join in costume while dining at The Owl.

Feathers, fedoras, and full-on flair—Spectators join in costume while dining at The Owl. The atmosphere hums with low laughter, clinking glasses, and the soft rustle of costume fabric—part supper club, part costume ball.

Dolly Pawton put on a very revealing show.

Have you stopped by Clock Tower Records on Main Street? If so, you probably recognize this pair. A big Howl to Jonny, who just celebrated 15 years of business.

Clever costumes to celebrate the theme.

Dolly: iconic in every twirl and note — a voice that turned small-town stories into big-stage magic. Catch some of her legendary work over at Clock Tower Records, where every vinyl still spins a bit of her sparkle.

Nina is a member of the #palpack

Bubba as cute as ever.

This family went all out, and big headed Bubba stealing the show beside his Princess Peaches. Both Bubba and Peaches are members of the Pal Pack.

Princess Peaches

So appropriately dressed taking center stage with her family in Mario Brother’s theme. This is a huge milestone to mark a successful training and behavior modification success.

Colorful Show in Downtown Grass Valley

Our community is the absolute best of bringing in those cheerful colors. Flash back to the early 90’s on this one.

Lauren Hayes and Katy Davis

Judges in deep thought comparing notes.

Four judges lean in, foreheads creased like well-thumbed case files, pens paused mid-sentence as they compare notes. A hush settles over the town square.