Harry Caray's Howl-O-Ween pet costume contest benefits PAWS Chicago

It was a dark and stormy night on Navy Pier, with a full moon and witches about.....naw, just kidding, but it was a HOWLING Howl-O-Ween at Harry Caray's Tavern for the 3rd annual pet Halloween contest on Navy Pier.

The Pier was filled with people and kids in costume but none were cuter than the doggos that made their way, with owners in tow, to this popular bar and restaurant. There were pups dressed as a piece of sushi, referee, lion, Cracker Jax, scary spiders, Wonder Woman, a piece of candy corn, a banana, Phantom of the Paw-pera, Paddington Bear, Pennywise, Barbie, and so many others.

It was an honor to return for the 2nd year as emcee/judge. Besides the cuteness overload, all the proceeds from the entry fee ($10) went directly to PAWS Chicago. The three categories were "Funniest", "Most Creative", and "Best Ensemble." Volunteers from PAWS, Judy Paice and Courtney Hopkins, were on hand to help move the party along.

MOST CREATIVE

Winner: "Phantom of the Pawpera"

Bowie (Coton de Tulear)

Owner: Silvia Dias

Runner Up: "We All Float" - Pennywise the Clown in the Drain

Nora (Mini Schnauzer) as Pennywise the Clown

Owner: Whitney Counts

FUNNIEST

Winner: Cracker "Jax"

Jax (Yorkshire Terrier)

Owner: Jill Monoscalco

Runner Up: "Barbie"

Lilikoi (Cavalier King Charles)

Owner: Kellie Ann Kawamoto

BEST GROUP ENSEMBLE

Winner: "Dr. Frankenstein and his Monsters"

Porter (French Bulldog) as Frankenstein / Stout (French Bulldog) as a spider

Owner: Lauren Yarck

Runner Up: "Basketball Ensemble"

Sora (Akita Inu) as a "Rufferee" / Bolt (Shibu Inu) as a basketball player

Owners: Sarah Granberg & John Jacobson

Harry Caray's owner Grant DePorter was on hand to give out prizes that included pair of tickets for a dog-friendly Seadog boat ride courtesy of City Cruises; a pair of tickets for Navy Pier's Ferris Wheel; and a $25 gift certificate to Harry Caray's.