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PET PARADES

Biscuit was discovered in an open field out near Lafayette, La., in the days following Hurricane Rita —more than three weeks after Katrina had laid waste to the rest of South Louisiana in the fall of 2005. She was one of thousands of strays rescued in those weeks and months after the two storms, hauled off to a temporary shelter and, after failed efforts to locate her owner, scheduled for the euthanasia line. During those frantic times, nobody had the means, time, energy or money to actually save all those pets.The temporary emergency “shelters” back then were, in large part, death factories. Many lost and unclaimed animals had to be put down. It took the work of heroes to save the blessed few from their morbid fate. One of those heroes was Meredith McLanahan. Meredith is one of the “true believers.” A dog rescuer. You know the type. Driven beyond reason. And she was a friend of mine. Meredith was out in Acadiana helping with pet rescues when she spotted Biscuit on the euthanasia line. Biscuit was hard to miss. She had a soft, beautiful

RUFF RIDERS ANTHEM: Pawty Gras Mystic Krewe of Barkus, New Orleans, LA Taking its name as a parody on the Krewe of Bacchus, Mystic Krewe of Barkus, the largest costumed pet parade on the Gulf Coast, features as many as 1,500 decorated dogs and their owners as escorts. The pup procession of festively costumed canines — including a king, queen, grand marshal and grand duchess — travels a 15-block route through the French Quarter, starting and ending at Armstrong Park. The krewe’s queen is always an adopted or rescued female dog, and all proceeds raised by the organization go to local animal welfare charities. The Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws, Mandeville, LA This annual pet parade with a purpose, which takes place after Mardi Gras, serves as a fundraiser for nonprofits helping kids and canines. It draws thousands of spectators to the shores of the Mandeville Lakefront ever year. The Krewe de Paws of Olde Towne, Slidell, LA This one-mile parade of dogs and their owners rolls through Olde Towne Slidell. The krewe’s goal is to bring awareness to pet rescue and adoption. The organization donates proceeds from the parade to various shelters, rescue groups and animal-loving nonprofit organizations. CAAWS Mystic Krewe of Mutts, Baton Rouge, LA All proceeds from this event, which includes a parade along North Boulevard and costume and float contests, go directly to the CAAWS Spay/ Neuter Program that helps keep the cat and dog population down in the community. Krewe des Chiens, Lafayette, LA This downtown parade rolls from Lafayette Street and Rue Bibliotheque to Parc Sans Souci. It’s followed by a Pawty in the Parc. Mystical Krewe of Barkus, Lake Charles, LA More than a dozen parades roll throughout Southwest Louisiana, including this one for pet lovers. Fantastically costumed canines parade along the Lakefront Promenade, all vying for the title of “Mystical Dog.” Mardi Paw Pet Parade, Shreveport, LA The Krewe of Barkus and Meoux, and its parade at Reeves Marine Center, benefits abused, neglected and homeless animals. Krewe of Barkloxi, Biloxi, MS The Krewe of Barkloxi took over Town Green for the first time last year. The four-legged fun is organized by the Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce to benefit the Humane Society of South Mississippi. Mystic Mutts of Revelry, Fairhope, AL Costumed pets and their owners make their way through Downtown Fairhope. The parade benefits The Haven, a no-kill animal shelter that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes over 900 Baldwin County animals each year.

mane, the looks of a yellow Lab, a spirited disposition and the most magical eyes you’ll ever see. Biscuit is heterochromatic, meaning that her eyes are different colors. Like David Bowie. The condition in humans is usually the result of a childhood virus, whilie in canines, it is a rare but natural optical quirk, affecting about one out of every 100,000. In 2007, Biscuit came to the attention of the Barkus folks. She had all the qualifications to be Queen: Stray, pretty, docile and willing. The theme of the 2007 Barkus parade was “A Street Dog Named Desire.” Biscuit’s name and picture were published in the paper. She was feted with lamb chops and oysters at Galatoire’s Restaurant on Bourbon Street. (I was served an iced tea, sweet.)

On parade day, a team of young and sturdy animal shelter volunteers pushed us through the streets of the French Quarter in a rickety wooden float. Thousands of revelers hailed Biscuit. Me and my kids sat, starstruck. Biscuit scratched behind her ears. We waved to the masses. But everyone called her name. It’s a family memory etched forever in our minds. And there was never a Queen so deserving. Biscuit is old and chunky now. Slowed by time. But she’s still my spirit dog, the one with the omniscient eyes, incandescent stare, indefatigable mischief and uncompromising loyalty. She taught me a long time ago when we used to cuddle ourselves to sleep together that life is bigger than me. Much bigger and better. She taught me the meaning of unconditional love. Man’s best friend, indeed.

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