Shoppers in Wareham Crossing were met by an unusual sight on Sunday, June 24, – a pack of well-dressed pooches. Clad in bow ties, pint-sized dresses, tuxes and even the occasional corsage, about 20 dogs strutted their stuff for the Wareham Pack Walkers first “prom.”

“All of the schools just had proms,” said Jennifer Cipriani, a certified dog trainer who founded the dog walking group. “ We thought: ‘why not us?’”

Launched a little over a year ago, the group is now 500 members strong. Each Sunday and Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., some of the members meet up at Wareham Crossing for a stroll and socialization.

Cipriani said the group is geared toward teaching dogs how to socialize and act appropriately a pack.

“This is a great way to get dogs together in a safe environment,” she said. “And, of course, it’s a chance for their owners to meet up and chat, too.”

On Sunday, owners met in the Lowe's parking lot, snapping pictures and complimenting the outfits. There was Charlie, a St. Bernard owned by Karen Kelso, wearing a floppy, oversized bow tie. Layla, an English mastiff, donned a pink dress. And Clyde, a Chihuahua, had on a tuxedo.

Clyde arrived with Erin and Matt Tiso, who said their pet had been primping for the evening out.

“He’s been looking forward to this,” said Matt. “Clyde definitely didn’t want to miss the prom.”

For more information on the Wareham Pack Walkers, visit the group’s Facebook page.