While original costumes are your own call, just FYI, it seems 2009’s most popular costumes will be vampires, Michael Jackson, vampires, Hannah Montana, vampires, pirates and, finally, vampires. You just can’t go wrong with vampires this year – and a black cape with red lining pretty much does it. Dogs have fangs and their eyes glow in the headlights. Bingo! Plus, vampires are so hot that you won’t be mocked for making it easy on yourself. Happy Howl-o-ween to all!

Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, and click here to follow them on Twitter.

The sun will set at roughly 6 p.m. on October 31, 2009. Even though Halloween will coincide with a bright full moon, cloud cover or even tall buildings and trees could make the roadway dark. Protect your costumed doggy by making him glow as he parades about.

Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, and click here to follow them on Twitter.

Just have make sure the canine costume doesn’t hang too low or it could trip your dog or get tangled in the leash. It’s hard to see what’s happening in the dark, and a hampered dog could get badly wound up in fabric and that retractable leash cord.

Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, and click here to follow them on Twitter.

But mercy, mercy! You wouldn’t go out looking badly put together. Take a look at your dog’s shape and consider disposition and dress according to physique and character. That way, people on the street won’t mutter, “What did Mommy do to you!?” as they pass, but will exclaim, “Don’t you look adorable, you gorgeous thing!”

Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, click here to follow them on Twitter.

While some therapy dog organizations provide a logo sash or vest, many do not. Owners who escort therapy dogs on their rounds to hospitals, nursing homes and school reading programs report that wearing a cute tee shirt, vest or doggie dress helps the canine therapist leap the gap toward people who may feel unconfident or distressed. Clothing makes the therapy dog seem more empathetic and approachable.

Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, click here to follow them on Twitter.

Yes, all dogs might need boots. Boots – functional and well-fitted – can protect the pads and save the paws. (Never use boots in heat as dogs need to sweat through their pads.)

Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, click here to follow them on Twitter.

Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, click here to follow them on Twitter.

Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, click here to follow them on Twitter.

The Dog-To-Go Soft Shell Portable ChowPal sells for about $30 and is entirely self-contained and made of soft durable pack-cloth construction. The Dog-To-Go is a self contained traveling bistro that makes packing for your pooch easy. Great item to keep stashed in your car all year long for unexpected long drives, especially if you’re caught in traffic jams in L.A.!

Includes: Pack-cloth carrier, 450 ML water bottle, 2 stainless steel bowls, nylon food storage bag, spill mat.