Semper Fideaux – The Krewe of Mutts Parade Rolls This Sunday

This year’s 15th annual Mystic Krewe of Mutts parade salutes service dogs. While its Semper Fideaux-themed parade rolls down North Boulevard February 16 at 1:30 p.m., the day is filled with Fideaux-friendly events.

From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Bark in the Park at Galvez Plaza features booths with everything from adorable adoptable animals available from area groups and humane education to food vendors and even pet chic boutiques. Pre-parade festivities include contests for the best float and costume.

Community activists organized the very first Krewe of Mutts parade in 2000. Since then, proceeds have been donated to Capital Area Animal Welfare Society (CAAWS), the Grande dame of local animal rescue organizations. Besides providing a great opportunity for proud pet owners to their mutts, the Krewe contributes an estimated $15,000 annually to the non-profit’s shelter, education, community outreach and spay/neuter programs.

Early registration discounts for parade participants are available through February 14. Since registration is considered as a donation to the non-profit, all fees are tax deductible. For more information, click here.

These are among the homeless animals who benefit from this year’s parade proceeds.

Milo (pronounced Mee-low) is an adorable combination of German shepherd and basset hound. This one-year-old boy is already a star with his own video titled Milo’s Ready to Snuggle. He is also a soccer fanatic and will chase the ball relentlessly. This happy guy is a sweet lug with a big head and a short stout body. He’ll win your heart and make you giggle at his goofy always seemingly smiling face. He’d be best suited to a home with high energy that can give him walks and tons of balls to chase. He would love a dog buddy to help him run around and get out all of that extra energy.

Sweetie Pie is a one-and-a-half year-old dilute calico. She is the ultimate lap cat. She will lie in a lap and cuddle for as long as a human is willing to indulge her. She loves to be pampered and enjoys sitting in windows and looking outdoors. Sweetie Pie likes to play with feather toys and is slowly adjusting to living with other cats. In short, she is an ideal feline companion.

Webster is a cute four-year-old Cairn terrier mix.

Cassie is a two-year-old longhaired orange beauty.

Cooper was surrendered to a kill shelter by his owner probably because the Jack Russell has inhaled and food allergies. Nonetheless, Cooper is an adorable low-key little guy. At first, he can be a bit cautious and shy with men; but, he quickly comes around. While he loves to run in the yard, he also loves to hang out on the couch. He enjoys snuggling and burrowing under covers to take a nap. In addition, Cooper likes to play with dogs of all sizes.

Gizmo is an adorable six-month old tabby boy.

All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested and microchipped. Many other adoptable dogs, puppies, cats and kittens are available through Capital Area Animal Welfare Society. Click here for more information.