Mardi Paws parade gets four paws up

It was a dog day afternoon Sunday with the Mandeville lakefront going to the dogs. Every breed imaginable from toy poodles and Maltese to Great Danes and greyhounds were on hand to watch and participate in the parade along Lakeshore Drive.

Co-captains of the parade were Cruella De Vil and her henchman, also known as Antonija and Antoni Cutura, complete with Dalmatian coat and bone-encrusted lapel.

Mandeville Police Officer Anton Schwartz marveled at the crowd. “I love this parade,” he said. “I’ve never had to arrest a drunk dog after this parade. They are all well-behaved.”

Grand Marshall Kriss Fairbairn and her 6-year-old Maltese, Rocket, led the parade. Other celebrity guests included the Saints mascot, Gumbo. The giant Saint Bernard excitedly greeted the crowd and showed off his training techniques with one-pawed push-ups along the parade route. Hugo, the New Orleans’ Hornet, was also on hand greeting the crowd.

Spectators and krewe members alike were costumed, including some of their human families. Vendors, many of whom participated and sponsored the parade, were also prepared for the occasion with matching theme costumes with their dogs.

Floats and participants ranged from the Flintbones to I Love Lucy and ER Vet.

At the reviewing stand, white-wigged judges, assisted by two Welsh Corgis, judged the passing members of the parade for ceramic poop awards which will be awarded next week. For their humans, prizes included five Wii video game consoles donated by Best Buy and five gift baskets.

Court members were toasted with Red Dog energy drinks and special poop adorned Mardi Paws beads.