Sunday, October 23, 2005

REIGNING CATS AND DOGS. Canines take center stage Oct. 29 at the Baltimore Dog Festival in Canton, Md. Those who look like their dogs, dress like their dogs or think their pooch has what it takes to be named "Most Baltimorean" can enter the Howl-O-Ween Fancy Dress Dog Competition. (The losers, and those with no Fido of their own, can moonbounce their sorrows away.) Bone up on pet adoption and kitty treats at the Beastie Bazaar in Upperville, Va. (Nov. 4-6). Hayrides, bake sales, an auction and wine tastings are all part of the fun.

Howl: $12 per dog; festival 1 to 5 p.m., contest at 2:30. About 30 minutes from the Beltway in Canton, Md. 410-558-2262,http://www.thecancompany.com. Beastie: Donation requested; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. About an hour from the Beltway at Ayrshire Farm in Upperville, Va.;http://www.beastiebazaar.org. -- Anne McDonough