In a tail-biting finale, the canine costume contest at the second annual Whole Enchihuahua festival ended in a split decision. The June 7 event, hosted by the San Francisco SPCA and SF Animal Care and Control in San Francisco’s Dolores Park, provided lots of fun, food, and photo ops, all to raise awareness about Chihuahuas. The breed is disproportionately represented in animal shelters across the country.
Dozens of diminutive doggie divas pranced down the runway in designer duds, mimicking everything from a unicorn to a tequila bar. The best costume title, however, was shared by two non-Chihuahuas. Tucker the Pug’s impersonation of a Mexican donkey won hearts and half of the crown, while Gorda the Bulldog accepted co-honors for her abstract explosion of twisty balloons.
The Whole Enchihuahua also featured a live mariachi band, a Smooch the Pooch booth, and lots of helpful information about pets. Adoptable animals of various kinds were on hand for friendly meet-and-greets. Stay tuned to sfspca.org for news of next year’s must-attend event.