Dances with Dogs Costume

After multiple deaths to both friends and family this past autumn, I found myself rethinking a default grim reaper costume I had chosen. I am usually known for creative costumes, but a tough harvest season left me single and uninspired. Less than 24 hours before our annual neighborhood party, I was struck by inspiration! As a local mounted shooter, I could play pioneer woman turned Native American Indian and call myself "Stands with a Dog," and turn my furkid, Samantha, into "Kicking Dog." I raced to the dollar store and got $5 worth of items: a child's xsmall t-shirt, some beads, feathers, a "princess headband" with attached long hair, and Velcro stripping. I found some fake fur in my fabric scrap box. In about an hour's time, I had trimmed down the t-shirt to fit, removed the sleeves and added fringe around the leg holes and shirt bottom, and attached fake fur on the collar. Then I added a feather and bead decoration that I invented at the nape of her neck. I also added beads on the fringed edge of her vest and added Velcro along the split bottom for a custom fit and ease of dressing. Lastly, I braided the headband into two braids and finished off with feathers and hair tie made of t-shirt material. All in all, what started as one of my most uninspired Halloween's turned into a triumph! We had a great time at the party and everyone appreciated our efforts. Plus, we took a little time to dance... we are "Dances with Dogs" after all!