Rosie the Pig Wins Best Pet Halloween Costume in Marin Contest

In the latest installment of "Only in Marin" moments, a pig named Rosie has claimed the top prize in Patch's Best Pet Halloween Costume in Marin Contest.

Despite a colorful cast of entrants that included a "Honey Boo Boo" dog, a pair of doggy pirates and a couple of four-legged pals atop a mock Endeavor space shuttle, Rosie garnered the most votes.

"There were so many great pets in the contest, I was really surprised we won," says Rosie's owner, Novato resident Alison Rowley.

Rowley has decided to forgo her $50 gift card to a local business and instead have Patch make a donation on her behalf to WildCare, the downtown San Rafael facility that treats sick or injured animals, provides advocacy and education to teach people "how to live peacefully with wildlife" and advocates "for better protection of wildlife and our remaining open spaces."

Rowley is in the midst of launching Animals Galore and More, her own animal-related firm with partner Mike Klahr, hoping to teach children about the wildlife around us via fun-filled educational events. They're launching the business this month at a birthday party in Novato.

Thanks to all the pets for donning their Halloween best, their owners for entering them into the contest and to all those who voted.