Man's best friend celebrates Halloween
Dog owners lined up outside Murdoch’s in Polson Saturday morning with their festive pooches as employees judged costumes for Growl-o-ween. (Ashley Fox/Lake County Leader)
Ollie, a 12-year-old Australian Shepherd and Collie mix, won first place for Growl-o-ween, held at Murdoch’s Saturday morning. (Ashley Fox/Lake County Leader)
Standing out in the crisp morning air Saturday was a group of dogs of all sizes, dressed in Halloween costumes, alongside their humans at the Polson location of Murdoch’s Ranch Supply.
Taking home first place was Ollie, a 12-year-old Australian Shepherd and Collie mix, dressed as a lumberjack.
Ollie won a $100 gift card to the store.
Owner Tom Borr of Polson and Charlie Devlin, also of Polson, showed Ollie off during the competition.
Borr said that the idea came up after brainstorming what he had laying around.
“I was trying to think what I had around the house,” Borr laughed, adding that he had gloves, a hat, a shirt and sawdust, leading him to the lumberjack idea.
Devlin added that she helped dress Ollie for the costume contest.
“It was hard to figure out how to put” the button-up flannel shirt made for humans on Ollie, Devlin said.
Last year, Ollie dressed as a sheriff with guns and a “wanted” poster as part of the costume, and he came in third place, Borr said.
Growl-o-ween is one of several community events that Murdoch’s hosts throughout the year.
Store Manager Kim Stacey said that vendors with the company offered treats for animals in the contest as well as toys and a goody bag.
She explained that company-wide, the event is hosted but it was the Polson location that extended the prizes.
“We decided to chip in a $50 and $25 gift card” for second and third place, respectively, she said.
Available employees judged the entries, casting one vote each for their favorite costume.