Wag-O-Ween: Tricks for Treats
Written by Sophie Deal. Photos by Sophie Deal. Graphic by Avery Melhado.
Across cultures, practices and scary stories, Halloween is the day when the veil between the living and the dead frays the thinnest. With Savannah being America’s most haunted city, this is no laughing matter. However, the weekend before October 31st, something stranger than ghosts crawls the streets: dogs!
Wag-O-Ween is a two day fundraising event spanning across downtown Savannah and the Starland district. Local businesses sign on as treat stops, allowing pups to register and trick-or-treat across the city. Along with trick-or-treating, the event features a costume contest, raffle, photography stations and more.
On the morning of Oct. 24, I set off to explore the event, and of course, meet costumed dogs.
I first met Jackson on River Street, a strapping fellow dressed as a gnome. He wore this costume to match with his owner, a fairy.
Plump pugs Savannah and Riley continued the family costumes. Along the brick roads and shiplined shores of Savannah, they fit right in as a gang of pirates. Cookies are their booty of choice.
This year, fluffy Ace made his debut as a butterfly after three Halloweens as a bat. He found the smaller insect wings much more tolerable.
Alluring with alliteration, Dash the Dinosaur and Greta the Grape stampeded the streets.
This little devil, Charlie, stopped me in my tracks with her smile. As innocent as she looks, sources swear her costume is fitting.
The oldest dog I encountered, Carter, was imprisoned for his many crimes as a bad boy. When asked for the expected end to the 16-year-old’s captivity, his owners declined to comment.
The gang’s all here! What a delight to encounter Tucker, Moon, Savannah, and Oakley as the Mystery Gang–including the bus.
Siblings Beans and Cornbread wowed as 1st and 2nd place winners at the Wag-o-Ween (breed inclusive) wiener dog race.
While Luna refused to tell my future, I’m convinced this little fortune teller knew something we don’t.
This stocky, spotted fellow seemed a bit out of place. Though his owners insisted Rowdy is a Great Dane, I know a cow when I see one.
With her time machine, I expect to see 10-year-old Bertie and her Delorean at Wag-o-Ween 2027. Matching with her owner as Doc and Marty from “Back to The Future,” this pup stole my heart.
Last but certainly not least, these two precious pups are up for adoption! PureLife the PureLife and Pinto Bean the Banana strutted the streets with volunteers from Savannah rescue, Renegade Paws. If you’re looking for a canine companion, visit the Renegade Paws on website and submit your application today!
Not only does Wag-o-Ween unleash a flood of cuteness into Savannah, it funnels up to 100k a year into the local rescue community. Next year, bring your furry friend and buy a ticket, or consider donating a pass so rescue dogs like PureLife and Pinto Bean can attend.
