Happy Howl-oween 2011!

It's that time of year where humans all over the world like to add a little extra fun to the day of their dog, cat, horse, bunny...well just about any critter except a fish.

Okay, so maybe people are adding extra fun to their own day. Most pets are not enthusiastic about dressing up. You can see it in their faces. Anything from a trace of disgrace to a hullaballo of humiliation. Yet they tolerate the foolishness of their people with reasonably good humor. That's why I usually limit use of costumes to the length of time it takes for a few pictures.

When I dragged out Indy's much-used outfit, he went right into character by making a beeline in the opposite direction. His often shaky memory suddenly became sharp as a tack. A minor tussle later, he resigned himself into striking a pose.

A game with Green Dog cheered the little guy up in no time.

Bogey, however, is not so cooperative. I thought he'd enjoy bringing out his inner cool cat self.

But...not so much.

When the photographer became too sweaty to continue, the camera went into its case. All ruffled fur smoothed as costumes returned to the closet. Indy and Bogey got extra treats and pronounced the photo shoot sufficiently profitable. I drank a cup of tea and wondered if Ansel Adams works with such reluctant subjects.

But never mind all that. Today's the day for barking at doorbells and hissing at goblins.

How do your critters feel about Halloween?