Monday, February 24, 2014

Mardi Gras Mischief Madness

   What do you get when you combine thousands of dog lovers and over 500 dogs with the spirit of Mardi Gras?  The Krewe of Barkus & Meoux annual pet parade.  This year’s theme was “A Wonderland Tea-pawty.”  A “Krewe” (pronounced the same as “crew) is an organization that puts on a parade or ball during the Mardi Gras carnival season.  The Krewe of Barkus & Meoux was established in 1999 to benefit neglected, abused, and homeless animals.  They work throughout the year helping shelters, pet education, and promoting charitable functions.  One of their programs is the “Spay a Pet & Save a Life” which focuses on spaying and neutering.  All of the money raised during the pet parade stays in our local area to benefit local pet
shelters, assist with emergency veterinary care, and medical care along with a
spay/neuter program for many of our managed feral cat colonies. 
   Bentley and Pierre thought it was going to be a regular relaxing Sunday.  When we
gathered their costumes, leashes, and began preparing to leave, their excitement level rose.  They knew they were going somewhere but was it the vet or somewhere fun?  Neither was quite sure until we arrived at the banks of the Red River.  There were dogs everywhere of every size, shape, and costume.  Both of their tails wagged non-stop for next four hours!
   The festivities kicked off at 12:45 with a demonstration from the Red River
Obedience Training group.  There were contests for the Best-Dressed, Best Representation of theme, Best Float, Best Trick, and Best Pet/Owner Look-a-Like.  A group of dancers entertained, a pet education puppet show, and face painting.  Bentley and Pierre enjoyed going by the sponsor pet booths because they gave out goodies.  We came home with all sorts of information, dog toys, and treats.
   Once we had visited the booths, it was time to mingle.  I was so proud of both boys.  They posed for pictures, let parade goers pet them and socialized with the other dogs.  It was great to see several other Basset Hounds participating.  All of the dogs were well behaved and I didn’t witness any altercations. 
That is incredible given the crowd size and dog sniffing that took place.  The Boy Scouts staffed water relief stations for the dogs.  That was a terrific idea since the temperature rose to the low 80’s.  There were concession stands for the humans and a local restaurant handed out glasses of tea.
   After a Blessing of the Pets, there was the presentation of the Grand Marshall, Captain, and the 2014 Royal Animal Court.  Then, it was time to “Let the Good Times Roll” or rather walk across the long stage and among the revelers.  We threw beads to the waving chanting crowd and received more “ohhs and ahhs” as the parade made its way around the venue.

   When the last participant finished the walk, we visited with a few more dogs and pet parents before we headed home.  Once we were back in the truck driving home, exhaustion overtook my little boys.  Pierre curled up on his
Where's the treats?
mama and Bentley lap-dogged me as they nodded out for the ride.  They have spent the evening on the couch with the only noise being an occasional snore.

   It was a great ending to a wonderful weekend.  On Saturday, we took our daughter and son-in-law to one of the human parades.  The Krewe of Centaur is the largest of all the Mardi Gras parades in our city.  It was Keith’s first taste of Mardi Gras.  If the amount of beads and throws he had are any indication, he loved it!  If you have never been to or participated in a Mardi Gras parade, put it on your list of things to do!









This is Monday’s Mischief Blog Hop hosted by my buddies Snoopy’s DogBlog, My Brown Newfies, and Alfie’s Blog.  Be sure to hop over and see what mischief they’ve been getting into lately!

38 comments :

  1. Looks like a lot of fun. Did you enter any contests?

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    1. We only entered the costume contest but there are so any elaborate ones competing! I mean a Chihuahua in a teacup? LOL!

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  2. Oh Bentley, you look adorable! The perfect outfit for a Basset. Pierre looks good too, but you were superb!

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    1. Oh Emma, you set my heart to fluttering! I wish you'd have been able to join us. You could have been my princess! XXOO

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  3. Wow, what a fun party...makes me want to live in New Orleans. Love the blessing of the pets deal.

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    1. It was such fun! The priest that blessed the animals also performed our wedding almost 32 years ago!

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  4. Wow, that looks like a great time!

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    1. Oh, it was a great time for two and four-legged revelers!

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  5. OMD! that looks like it was SO much fun!!!!
    Bentley and Pierre look pawsitively pawsome as well!!!!
    I wish they did something like that around here! I would love to bring the pack out.
    Glad you had a great time, and the photos you took are wonderful!!!
    Hope you had a great weekend!
    ((husky hugz frum da pack))

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    1. Thanks Jenna! It was a great weekend of Mardi Gras-ing!

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  6. OMD! How fun! You all look super cute dressed up in your Mardi Gras garb! And what a great cause too!
    *Cairn cuddles*
    Oz

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    1. Hi Oz! Thank you and thanks for dropping by to visit! Follow us back on Twitter @mk_clinton : )

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  7. Oh my goodness! How much fun was that?!

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  8. Oh how fun! I have been to Mardi Gras in Austin before, but not with dogs. This looks like a really cool event!

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    1. It is a great time with your dogs and cats...I saw a Guinea Pig too! I think most Mardi Gras parades are a lot of fun!

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  9. Omigoodness! What a wonderful Mardi Gras! I've only been to day time parades in New Orleans, since we lived south of there. Your parades look like much more fun, less chaos and drunkenness. Yes?
    www.dogtreatweb.com

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    1. Our human parades can become rowdy with drinkers in certain areas but the pet parade is mostly families and no drinking.

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  10. What fun that would be to attend! Love the photos!

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    1. Thank you Caren! I am already anxious for the next year's parade!

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  11. We wish there was a Mardi Gras celebration around here. We are party animals and that is the ultimate party. Love the costumes and the photos. Most creative.

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    1. It was a perfect place for all of the party animals! Thanks for visiting! : )

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  12. That sounds and looks like so much fun! The dogs look great in their costumes!
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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    1. I'm glad that you like it! I have to come up with something new and exciting for next year.

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  13. What fun! I'll bet that Krewe was the highlight for a lot of people.

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  14. What a great event! And I am SO jealous of the 80 degree weather. Send some up north. Please!

    --Woofs (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats.

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  15. What a great way to spend a Sunday. You all look great and looks like you had a blast. The costumes were so great!

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  16. So cute! What a fun time. Now... will the dogs give up something for lent too?? :)

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  17. Looks like fun! Momma took me to the Fiesta Pooch Parade in San Antonio a couple years ago - she were worried I'd be barkin and tryin to start fights because I get real yappy on walks, but I behaved perfect and not like my usual crazy self. Hee hee!

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  18. OoH my Doggies!

    What a fun day!

    Woofs and Licks,
    Maggie Mae and Max

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