Halloween week comes naturally for pets—they’re used to begging for treats. Their enthusiasm at being dressed as a bumblebee is less certain (check out photos of our Halloween costume contest here). But either way, animal lovers and their furry ghosts and goblins have plenty of ways to celebrate the bewitching season this week:

Tuesday: Choosing a dearly departed celeb for a Halloween costume is all the rage this year as spook shops report Michael Jackson getups and high-waisted Patrick Swayze pants flying off the shelves. In light of that trend, we’re predicting that a lot of pups will be sporting sombreros in honor of Taco Bell’s former spokesChihuahua, Gidget, who passed away this summer at age 15. Find out for sure at Spooktacular Canine Happy Hour and Costume Contest on Tommy Joe’s Restaurant’s outdoor patio Tuesday. Prizes, a raffle, drink specials and dog treats will have tails wagging. Admission is $10 cash at the door, and 100 percent of proceeds go to the Washington Animal Rescue League. Event starts at 6:30, contest at 7:30.

• Things seem to  be looking up for Logan Circle’s Metropole condominium: 25 units have sold in the past six months. The building, which opened more than a year ago, still has 30 condos on the market. [WBJ]

• The Historic Preservation Office has raised concerns about the plans to redevelop the Takoma Theatre as an apartment building. [DCMud]

• Catholic University’s Brookland campus buildings will soon feature 1,000 solar panels, installed and operated by Washington Gas Services. The eco-friendly system will still only generate a very small percentage of the total electric power used by the university. [Housing Complex]

Sure, we could easily stare at Don Draper for an hour, but Mad Men is just as acclaimed for its set design and period decor as its acting. If you can look past the gender discrimination, there’s a certain charm to a 1960s office. Here are a few pieces that can help you capture the look.

The mid-back height, boxy shape, and chrome trim of this Zuo Modern office chair evoke the ‘60s. The black leatherette upholstery is easy to clean, too. Wholesale Furniture Brokers has slashed the price by nearly two-thirds to $286, and shipping is free.

• The Ritz, an affordable housing complex in Adams Morgan, opened this week after a $7 million renovation. [DCMud]

• Now that the Real World cast has left town, what will happen to the multi-million-dollar Dupont Circle property they called home? [Urban Turf]

• Myth-busting the tales and legends behind Georgetown’s lack of a Metro station. [WeLoveDC]

Saturday, October 17
Bring your animals to a day of pet-centric fun at the McLean Pet Expo in McLean Central Park (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean; 703-790-0123). Activities include Frisbee demonstrations, dog and cat stage acts, training and grooming services, pet adoption, a petting zoo, pony rides, and a pets Halloween costume contest. 11 to 5; free.

Make sure your puppy’s in with the “in crowd” at Bark ’N’ Bubbles (795 Center St., Herndon; 703-437-9274). Weekly socialization parties sponsored by the dog wash and Opportunity Barks Behavior & Training are intended for puppies less than five months old to boost their social skills by playing with peers and people. Trainers will be available to answer questions. Who could resist spending an hour with a roomful of puppies? 9 to 9:45 AM; free.

Every time I go outside on a clear October day and see the trees laced in color, I don’t want to go back inside again. The next best thing? Bringing some of the outside in. Here are a few autumn-inspired pieces that caught my eye:

This organic herb wreath from Viva Terra is part of a sale that lasts through October 29. You can get $10 off the $65 wreath ($75 with hanger). And here’s the cool part: The aromatic herbs that make up the wreath—lavender, dill, thyme, anise, sage and cinnamon—can be clipped off and used for recipes.