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!