Reindog Pageant: Cute Dogs, Cute Kids, Meeting the Neighbors

Phyllis Verhalen credits her granddaughter with helping the long-time McLean family win the grand prize at Saturday's Reindog pageant.

The win was a Verhalen family affair. One granddaughter suggested dressing the family's three dogs as "A Christmas Carol." So one dog was Christmas present. Another Christmas Past and a third Christmas Future.

"I was going to dress them as Christmas carolers, then my granddaughter said 'grandma you need something with drama.'"

Mrs. Verhalen made the costumers. Another granddaughter and grandson escorted the dogs at yesterday's pagenant held in the parking lot of the Langley Shopping Center.

The Verhalens were among about 100 folks who gathered for this McLean tradition --- where dog owners dress their pets in all forms of holiday regalia and show them off.

"This isn't a very organized event is it?" laughed emcee Peggy Fox, a McLean resident, WUSA reporter, and pet owner, at one point.

The disorganization is part of the fun. It's a morning of cute kids. Cute dogs. Cold temperatures and meeting the neighbors.

Gioia Forman  won third place in the small dog category for dressing her Chocolate as as Christmas Princess.

"We have been participating for the last 15 years," Forman said. "I think it's wonderful to support what the McLean community does. It's fun to see all the families and the dogs."

4p.m. Today: Winterfest Parade in downtown. Please bring a food shopping card to donate to Share. See you there.