The Rochester Small Dog Halloween Event was featured in the Democrat and Chronicle Newspaper on October 30, 2006 (Article Below)     Donna Lambe and her dogs Jake and Tyler from Churchville     (Photo by Richard Baker) Howl of a good time was had by all Small Dog Howl-o-Ween Party draws 70 dogs, owners Amy Wu Staff writer (October 30, 2006) — In the spirit of Halloween, Benny, a 3-year-old pug, was transformed Sunday from a dog into a turkey. At Sunday's second annual Small Dog "Howl-o-Ween Party," Benny's owner Mary Ann Sior dressed the pug as a Thanksgiving meal: a tablecloth costume with faux turkey and gourds. "He's Benny the Butterball," said the Penfield resident, noting that the costume planning began as early as March. Benny was among the estimated 70 small dogs and their owners who attended the party, held at Wegmans Lodge in Seneca Park. The lodge was packed with a variety of the under-25-pounders in costumes ranging from the ghoulish to the downright cute. Milling, sniffing and prancing about were two Pomeranians dressed in Harley-Davidson biker outfits, a dachshund puppy decked out as a bride, and her escort, a French bulldog, cast as the groom. Other costumes included a bumblebee, a clown and two cowboys. Costume contest awards included time with a dog psychic and goody bags with toys and treats. The monthly event was sponsored by the Rochester Small Dog Playgroup a fast-growing social group of small dog owners that formed on Meetup, an online social networking forum. Proceeds will go to rescue groups, animal shelters and the Monroe County Dog Park Trust Fund. "Howl-o-Ween" was just one of numerous Halloween celebrations in the Rochester area on Sunday. More than 1,000 people — at least 650 of them children — packed the George Eastman House for the 10th annual trick-or-treating tour. An organist pounded out spooky tunes on Eastman's beloved organ, and a haunted house, Halloween-themed stories and arts and crafts served as entertainment. Attendance this year nearly doubled, in part because the museum is offering free admission for children 17 and under this month, organizers said. AWU@DemocratandChronicle.com To learn more For more information on The Rochester Small Dog Playgroup, click on http://activedogs.meetup.com/19 or visit their official website at www.rochesterplaygroup.com