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"Pippa" loved by Karen Ullman
Story and Photos by Gary Borland "Barkus" is a Mardi Gras parade for the dogs complete with its own King and Queen that winds through the French Quarter of New Orleans. Every year the parade has a different theme that people use to dress themselves and their dogs to. Past themes have been "Tailtanic: Dogs and Children First", "Joan of Bark", "2001: A Dog Odyssey", "Saturday Bite Fever" and "Tail-House Rock" to name a few. Even with a designated theme, there are always the ever present die-hard Saints fans dressed up in the traditional black and gold colors of the home team.
On Left: "Blue", This years King loved by Margaret Orr,
Chief Meteorologist for WDSU in New Orleans and long time supporter of Barkus.
On Right: The Queen is selected by secret ballot and is always a rescued/adopted female dog. "Puppee", is loved by Jill Tucker
The night before the parade there is the Barkus Ball. This is a Black Tie affair in downtown New Orleans where the new King and Queen (the Queen is ALWAYS a rescue dog) are introduced and toasted. Towards the end of the evening, the proceeds from the previous year’s event are distributed with great fanfare. The parade takes place at the height of Mardi Gras season just a couple of weeks before Fat Tuesday. The parade starts near Armstrong Park, winds its way through the French Quarter, past Jackson Square and then back to the Armstrong Park area. The parade route is lined with thousands of well wishers of all ages, most looking for those infamous "Beads" that all the groups throw out. Many people bring their own dogs dressed up or loaded with beads and simply watch the festivities. With some of the roads being narrow, the lines between the parade participants and spectators can blur into one big moving party. Fun is had by all and the dogs get to greet the many kids and adults along the parade route. Photographers are everywhere capturing images of anyone wanting to pose. Adding to the festivities before and after the parade are numerous vendors selling some of the local culinary favorites as well as other pet products and there’s always live music playing at the event. The Mystic Krewe of Barkus is a non-profit organization founded by Wood Enterprises. Every year they donate the proceeds of the parade registration fees, merchandise sales, and Ball profits to worthy animal welfare groups. These groups are non-profit 501(c)3 organizations who are actively engaged in animal welfare. These groups provide volunteers to help run the event. More on the history of Barkus can be found at www.barkus.org/store/ This years event takes place Sunday, February 27th with the Royal Ball on Friday, February 25th. Mark Your Calendars! This is a New Orleans experience you don’t want your dog to miss! HAIL BARKUS! www.barkus.org Below: "Mr. Phil" in Mardi Gras Colors loved by John Moncada
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Saturday, April 21st, 2012
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Treasure Island Fun Center
BellaDOG Newsletter |
Franklin family’s dogs taken by animal officer, placed with new owners
FRANKLIN, Maine — Last fall, the Warren family had two Golden Retrievers, Bella and Jake, that were considered integral members of a household which includes four young children. Now the dogs have been placed with a new owner somewhere in New England after they took off from the Warrens’ yard in early November and failed to return.
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