WEST DUNDEE — When Tina Turner took center stage Wednesday at Spring Hill Mall, the crowd went wild.
Her legs were still the focus, of course, except there were four instead of two.
(Anderw A. Nelles/For Sun-Times Media)
PHOTO GALLERY
• Pets on parade
Turner, a Chihuahua donning a curly wig and faux mohair sweater, pranced alongside her two canine bodyguards all the way to first prize at the mall's annual pet costume contest, sponsored this year by Furry Babies pet store.
John Trolinger, owner of the mall's new puppy boutique, said that partnering with the mall for the event this year made sense.
"They asked me if I wanted to sponsor, and said I was definitely interested," Trolinger said. "Being a pet store, we should be involved."
More than 30 area pets had a chance to show off their Halloween costumes a few days early, and perhaps pick up a prize or two.
The contest was added to the mall's event schedule in 2004, in conjunction with its long-running children's costume contest, held Thursday night.
A large crowd of shoppers and event-goers were charmed by the pets in disguise, which climbed up and across a makeshift stage alongside doting owners.
Dogs, cats and even a pair of guinea pigs vied to for the top places in the sole category of best costume. Six places were awarded in all; with first and second place receiving a $50 Furry Babies gift card and a $10 mall certificate. First American Bank also gave the first-place winner $20.
Third and fourth places received $25 Furry Babies gift cards; fifth and sixth won $10 cards.
Dog lovers ate up every bit of Wednesday's exhibition of cuteness, capped by yet another Chihuahua in bumble bee garb that sang "Happy Birthday" with its owner.
While a cat trio — dressed as the Wizard of Oz's Dorothy, the tin man, and the cowardly lion — was awarded third prize, second place went to a real bathing beauty.
Alas, it was all in a day's work for Ciara, a pit bull dressed in a hot pink bodysuit, lei, and sunglasses, emulating Malibu Barbie.
"She loves getting dressed up and actually wears T-shirts every day," said Ciara's owner, Peggy Fidler of McHenry. "I love breaking the myth about pit bulls and showing everyone how gentle they can be."