Dog Day in the Park
Oct 20, 2026 09:12AM ● By Susan Maxwell Skinner, photos by Susan Maxwell Skinner
Winner, winner, doggie dinner. Costume victors are Anne Braunstein (left) and space dog Ghetto; Shana and Patrick Alteri and Jurassic dogs Sparrow and June; matching macaws Theresa Tomka and Holly.
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Rover reigned supreme as Carmichael’s Barktober festival last Saturday called more than 150 dogs and best friends to cavort.
Falling close to Halloween, fancy dress was de-rigueur. Strutting the Carmichael Park stage on Oct 17, a chihuahua was a toothy shark; a labradoodle was a space alien; mini poodles came as A. A. Milnes’s Pooh Bear, Eeyore and Tigger.
Not to be upstaged, a “Measure G” corgi paraded a hard hat; a giant French poodle and mistress pranced in matching berets. A pit bull got fruity in a yellow banana suit.
The Roseville Police Department introduced families to a crisis comfort K 9 Labrador called Butter. Not to be outdone, a Steadfast Canine Belgian Malinois demonstrated French Ring Obedience training.
An annual favorite, “musical sits” showcased master and mutt co-operation. In readiness for costume runway debuts, Sunflower Pet Salon provided four-footed manicures.
The K-9 kissing booth frames Staffordshire terrier
Zoey, landing wet ones on Cookie Gonzales.A pumpkin patch and a kissing booth were photo-op props. Doggie-breath notwithstanding, scores of smooches landed on masters and mistresses. “I spent hours on my makeup,” laughed a costumed German Shepherd owner. “A couple of sloppy licks and it was all gone.”
The main event paraded more than 30 costume duos. Best small-dog honors went to Anne Braunstein and space dog Ghetto. Best owner-and-dog costume was claimed by Theresa Tomka and papillon Holly, feathered as exotic macaws. Best-overall prize went to a Jurassic Park team of dinosaur dogs, led by Shana and Patrick Alteri.
Suited up for outer space, crested powderpuff Ghetto
and Anne Braunstein claim the title for best small dog costume.“Our festival united families, pets and businesses” approved Carmichael Chamber of Commerce leader Rosie Buck. “Attendees were well-mannered and enjoyed the activities. There were no fights, no bites -- but with hundreds of dogs having fun -- there were plenty of woofs.
“Wherever I looked,” continued Buck, “I saw toothy grins and wagging tails.”
(Alice) Labrador parents Angela (Alice in Wonderland)
and Charles (Mad hatter) Reinold dress Ari, Koda and Addie to as Lewis Carroll
critters.Barktober was presented by Carmichael Parks Foundation and Carmichael Park District. Sponsors included Buck Family Automotive, All Stage Canine Development, Kerri Mandes Fitness, Kiwanis Club of Carmichael, Supervisor Rich Desmond and Sunflower Pet Salon of Carmichael.
Judges and families join costume contest victors: Anne
Braunstein (front left) and space dog Ghetto; Shana and Patrick Alteri and
Jurassic dogs Sparrow and June. Theresa Tomka and papillon Holly are exotic
birds of a feather.
