I've seen the orange-and-black-decorated candy aisle at the local grocer, I've noticed make-shift patches of "U-Select" pumpkins cropping up in empty fields nearby, and I've even been tempted by the decorative gourds and dried maize available to addorn in my home for that seasonal flair.

While I'm certainly not a fan of the way greeting-card vendors and local shopping chains have fast-forwarded the seasons (it seems like everything from back-to-school shopping to Valentine's Day starts getting advertised about two months before the holiday actually arrives), I do enjoy the way we, as a society, have found to mark the passage of time with special holidays, foods, and decorations.

These displays of traditionalism help me feel connected to Nature, to the seasons and to other people in a way that staring at my computer screen at work all day does not. In the same way that dogs and other pets can help us feel this "connectedness" to the world around us, I think seasons can take us back to a time which, at least in our nostalgic imaginings, was simpler.

Personally, I enjoy having something to celebrate and look forward to, especially as the "dark months" of winter draw closer and the days seem somehow a little cooler, at times.

So, rather than mourn the summer's passing, I am looking forward to the coming of a new Holiday Season. Let's kick it of with a bang by making some plans for Halloween this year! I'm at that awkward phase where I'm too old to trick-or-treat myself, and don't have any children of my own to festoon in clever costumes!

I've found dressing up dogs for Halloween can be a great substitute. Thus, I put together a page of fun and affordable ($5-$10-$15) Halloween costumes for your dog to try this year! They come in many sizes and even if you don't plan on dressing up your dog, seeing the canine models strut their stuff is entertaining enough to at least take a gander at the page!

Let me know what you think, and have a great Halloween!

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Thanks for your great questions and feedback, lately. I always love to get email from you!

You and your puppies have fun this Halloween and keep them OUT of the candy stash!

Emily Cressey

Copyright, Emily Cressey. 2005

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