This post was updated Oct. 25 at 11:52 p.m.
Pumpkins, music and dozens of dressed-up dogs took over Broxton Plaza on Saturday for Westwood’s first-ever Pup-o-Ween event.
The event, organized by the Westwood Village Improvement Association, invited residents to bring their pets in Halloween costumes and support local businesses.
Dogs dressed in costumes ranging from sweet to spooky played under tables, vied for treats and befriended children and adults alike as their owners explored free Greek food and miniature pumpkin-decorating activities.
Christina Aguilera Dior, a 5-year-old toy poodle also known as DiGiorno Pizza, wore a Minion-themed outfit. Meanwhile, a 14-year-old rescue mutt named Rufus wore a pirate costume, and an 11-year-old miniature piebald dachshund named Rosie dressed up as a Halloween princess.
“Every dog is cute and precious and deserves so much love,” said Gema Toledo, a Los Angeles local who attended the event. “Everyone should get a participation snack and well-deserved sleep.”
For some attendees, Pup-o-Ween provided support during a difficult time.
Leslie Rith-Najarian, the owner of a pit bull mix named Lucky, said she brought her dog to the event so he could find companionship after her other dog’s recent death. Lucky’s lion costume – inspired by his nickname, “The Beast” – attracted many friends, both human and canine, she added.
“It was perfect when we found out there was going to be an event specifically for pups,” said Rith-Najarian, a UCLA psychology lecturer. “He was immediately the happiest I’ve seen him all week.”
Lucky was accompanied by Pony, a 10-year-old hairless dog, and a 5-year-old miniature pug named Cleo – dressed as Eeyore and a Dodgers fan, respectively – alongside their owner Elizabeth Higareda.
Community events allow both families and dogs to socialize and help bring people together, Higareda said.
Ariana Shibji, the owner of a 4-year-old cattle dog-chihuahua mix named Peri, said her dog enjoyed her first-ever Halloween outing dressed as Perry the Platypus and overcame her anxieties about meeting new people and dogs.
“For a dog like her, it’s really great because she gets to meet other dogs and be in a public environment that isn’t very stressful, and she can leave whenever she wants,” Shibji said. “It’s really helping her become more brave.”
Justin Tolchinsky, an LA local who attended Pup-o-Ween, said free events are essential for building community.
“There’s not a lot of third spaces in LA, or really the U.S., like in Europe, so it’s good to just have people come out and do things together,” Tolchinsky said.
Megan Furey, the director of programs and partnerships for the Improvement Association which organized the event, said events like Pup-o-Ween keep community members engaged and excited about happenings in Westwood.
More events – such as a holiday tree lighting Nov. 14 and a holiday market Dec. 12 – will be held in Westwood as the holiday season ramps up, she added.
“It’s important to get people out, … to come here, see what we have and then maybe come back another time and bring their friends,” Furey said. “It’s important to get the locals out, to get the families out, and who doesn’t love dogs and kid events?”
Contributing reports by Presley Liu, Daily Bruin senior staff.
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