To celebrate Halloween, Torrance Memorial Medical Center brought back its Howl O’ Ween Dog Parade.

Pooches dressed up in costumes trotted through the hospital to cheer up patients Friday morning. Starting in the West Tower, they paraded down Centennial Hallway through the hospital toward Lundquist Tower, ending in the transitional care unit.

These dogs and their owners are part of the hospital’s pet visitation program, which aims to aid healing. Fifteen of the program’s dogs participated, dressed up as pumpkins, witches, scarecrows and more.

“Studies have shown that pets, dogs especially, have a calming effect on people,” said Pat Carlson, chairperson of the pet visitation program. “Patients that interact with animals experience a therapeutic effect that speeds healing. It’s quite amazing.”