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a collage of three of the pet photos used later in this story a collage of three of the pet photos used later in this story
Spirit & Sports

Howl-O-Ween unleashed: See our pet contest winners

Meet the four dogs and one cat who delighted the voters in this year’s alumni association costume competition.

When Halloween comes round, we Buckeyes become much more likely to purchase too much candy, watch questionable programming and decorate, decorate, decorate—be it our homes, ourselves or our pets. Enter the Ohio State University Alumni Association’s annual Buckeye Howl-O-Ween pet costume contest.

Alumni, students, Ohio State employees and others submitted 275 pet photos, hoping for their costumed critter to be crowned the best of their category. The four were: Spooktacular Classics, Best Buckeye, Best Ensemble and Most Original. After Buckeyes voted, these four cuties came out on top!

The winners

Two dogs a poodle mix and a black labrador are dressed up as Woody and Buzz Lightyear from the Toy Story movies
Spooktacular Classics

Julianna DiMichele, a resident in the College of Veterinary Medicine and a Columbus resident, submitted a photo of her canines Frankie and Finn dressed as Woody and Buzz Lightyear from the Toy Story movies. She titled her photo: “You’ve got a (best) friend in me ❤️” 

A light colored-curly coated dog wears a drum major's hat and coat
Best Buckeye

Kimberly Nocera ’00, a resident of Delaware, Ohio, dressed up her dog Chewy as a marching band drum major. She titled her photo: “TBDBITL Chewy.” 

A long-haired striped tabby cat sits in a stock pot on a stove top--which is not turned on--dressed in a lobster costume.
Most Original

Stacie Schrader of Massillon, Ohio, submitted a photo with a standout difference: The furry friend was a feline, not a dog. That wasn’t the only eye-catching element: Said kitty is dressed as a lobster being cooked! (The stove is definitely not powered on, so we promise, “Lobster Lennox” was not harmed in the making of this photo!)

A golden doodle and a baby dressed as a teddy bear of the same color sit on a front porch. The dog has a big "ty" tag on its color and the baby has a much smaller one attached to its costume ear.
Best Ensemble

Logan Aldrich ’22, is a resident of Grove City, Ohio, and a clinical research coordinator at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. His photo: “Beanie Babies!” with his dog Honey and his baby girl, Oaklynn.

Each winner will receive a one-of-a-kind, custom portrait of their pet.

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