The first time I saw a dog walking around wearing two buns on each side I thought it was genius! Since then large dog Halloween costumes have become more common and inventive. There are spider-dogs, tiny lions and my favorite the cute cow-dog. I even tried to make my own and take my Doly out in a lovely ballerina tutu. That lasted no more than 10 minutes because she was convinced the thing as evil and was determined to rip it off. She still resents me for it, of course… but the pictures I took are priceless.

Using a dog gate wouldn’t be necessary if I had the time to train my dog not to wander into places I would rather he wouldn’t. In the meantime, I make use of dog gates with a door which are really baby gates repurposed for my canine difficulties. I use the gate to keep my dog from the kitty litter box which, I hate to admit, my doggy loves to visit on occasion, grabbing what I affectionately call his tootsie roll treats. Eating this is not good for him so I have to either move the litter box or keep him from it.