Putting a costume on my dog is a lot like riding a bull.

If you can dress her, then the costume has about 8 seconds to ride before it ultimately gets thrown off her body.

So it’s probably for the best that I was asked to be a judge in this weekend's Dogtoberfest costume contest. My dog would never be able to enter.

Suncoast Animal League’s fourth Dogtoberfest at Highlander Park has a jam-packed schedule on Saturday, and while the rest of Dunedin Wines the Blues downtown, I’m excited to be a part of this anticipated social event for dogs. (I’m judging the costume contest at 12:45 p.m. See the full schedule of events below.)

Knowing what a feat it is for my still-energetic, 11-year-old boxer mix to stay suited in a T-shirt, I applaud anyone who gets a dog to wear a fruit basket on its head for an extended period of time. I can’t wait to see it in action.

Incidentally, my dog would also fail miserably in the talent contest. Her greatest talent is eating, then probably escaping, getting into the trash or tearing up stuffed animals. Once she even managed to get the leftover roast beef from the bottom drawer in the refridgerator when we weren't home. 

Here’s what to expect:

Pet vendors, animal rescue groups, beer garden, concessions (parking is $3).

• 11:15 a.m.: Blessing of the animals
• 11:45 a.m.: Special awards
• 12:45 p.m.: Costume contest ($5 in advance, $7 day of)
•   2:15 p.m.: 2012 calendar contest winners
•   2:30 p.m.: Doggie dancing
•   2:45 p.m.: Crowning of King & Queen of Dogtoberfest ($1 voting)
•   3:15 p.m.: 4th Annual Running of the Wieners  ($5)
•   4:45 p.m.: My Pet's Got Talent ($5 in advance, $7 day of)
•   5:30 p.m.: Raffle winners announced

Dogtoberfest benefits Suncoast Animal League, a Palm-Harbor based nonprofit, no-kill animal rescue organization.