Jackson Free Press

Dressing your pet for All Hallows' Eve has never been easier with the wealth of retail stores and Web sites dedicated to the "chi chi" canine or feline. Indeed, some people have begun to see their pets as accessories; outfitting them with designer collars (think Coach, Isaac Mizrahi, Juicy Couture), tags, leads and all manner of clothing to match human ensembles. The pooch-as-purse mentality (not to be confused with pooch-in-purse) has swept the nation. And now, in Jackson, the day of the doggie boutique has arrived.

It shouldn't come as any great surprise that pet owners have taken a liking to not only dressing themselves up for Halloween, but their dogs and cats, too.

Star Wars junkie? Try the Princess Leia/Darth Vader doggie set on for size (complete with cinnamon bun hairpiece and cyborg mask/cape). Alas, the Imperial March leitmotif is not included.

Fairy-tale princess more your style? One purrfect feline ball gown coming right up.

The owner of the sharp-clawed cat shouldn't fret—there are less traumatizing options. Headbands, hats, specialty collars and capes are available from retailers such as PetSmart, Target, Diva Dog (Ridgeland), The Snooty Pooch (Madison) or online from the plethora of sites dedicated to outfitting all pets, great and small.

Don't yet have a pet to dress? If you're considering a permanent companion, you should look into adopting from your area shelter, such as the Community Animal Rescue & Adoption. The no-kill shelter is the only one of its kind in Jackson and one of the largest in Mississippi. Three like-minded women with a passion for animals founded CARA in 2000.

But first, some critical advice. "I cannot stress enough how important it is that prospective dog or cat owners be honest with themselves and the shelter staff about a pet they're interested in adopting," says CARA board member Mary Lee. "They need to do their homework and consider a pet that will fit in best with their lifestyle so that they don't end up with an adoptee that has to be returned."

The questions you might ask yourself before adoption: Are you a high or low-energy person? Do you live in an apartment, or house with a fenced-in yard? Do you have children? Are you elderly? Are you away from the house for hours on end, or at home for most of the day? Do you already own another cat or dog? When answered honestly, your criteria play a significant role regarding the type of animal you choose, with the ultimate goal being mutual satisfaction for the new owner and adoptee.

Once you've selected the perfect companion, CARA will get you started on their rigorous adoption screening process. This isn't the type of shelter that will allow same-day walk-in/walk-outs. To protect the safety of all adopted pets, potential owners must first submit references (including veterinary), which the shelter is strict about checking. And, in keeping with CARA's commitment of spaying and neutering, most animals up for adoption have already undergone surgery. If not, CARA will present you with a voucher (accepted by many participating local veterinarians) for a lower-cost procedure.

If you aren't currently a dog or cat owner, and you haven't gone through the lengthy process of adoption in time for Halloween … there's always next year! Just think of the wealth of retailers and online DIY costume resources you'll have bookmarked by Halloween 2008.

Support CARA at their first large-scale benefit, Animal House Party, Nov. 1 at the Mississippi Museum of Art. 100 percent of the proceeds go directly to funding capital improvements and the expansion of the 30-year-old building currently housing the shelter. For more information on the event, or to adopt a pet, log on to CARA MS website.

Keep Your Pet Healthy and Happy This Halloween
Always make sure your pet is clearly identified with a collar and tags, and if you plan to walk alongside trick-or-treaters with your pooch, keep her on a leash at all times.

Never feed your pet candy, especially chocolate, which contains powerful toxins that can make dogs and cats ill. Instead, grab healthful dog treats from MaxRiley, The Doggie Bakery (call 601-927-4886 for local retailers) or a special natural cat treat from the Rainbow Whole Foods Co-op pet section (601-366-1602).

Area Specialty Retailers
The Snooty Pooch (Madison), 601-607-4175
Diva Dog (Ridgeland), 601-856-1616

Online Retailers
PetSmart (also local)
Dr. Fosters & Smith
Costume Craze
Glamour Dog
PetEdge