Seeking forgiveness from Irving Berlin for having claimed the words of his immortal song for the realm of “animaldom,” I can only hope that the great composer was an animal lover and would understand. Surely the Haute Dog organization, with its growing network of dog lovers, owners, educators, rescuers and supporters would, for they are sponsoring a parade on Easter Sunday like no other, in an area of the world where anything can happen, Long Beach, California. This wonderful group of concerned citizens is dedicated to providing, through educational outreach and events, a better understanding and appreciation of man’s best friend and to offering practical adoption and rescue opportunities.
Every Easter Sunday, in order to raise money for local charities such as Operation Easter Basket, Operation Santa Paws and Haute Dogs, a parade is held, which features just about every breed of dog under the sun. On one occasion, even a pot-bellied pig with a mind of her own was included in the festivities. A ten-dollar donation accompanies each entry. More than five hundred four-legged contestants appearing in their finest Easter bonnets and colorful spring ensembles will gather in Livingston Park. The dogs will promenade and strut their stuff, with strict instructions to hold their heads high, work the runway and pause only ever so briefly for photos with their escorts. Down Second Street they will trot in all their “Sunday best”, from Argonne Avenue to Nieto Avenue. They will then return to the park to complete the 12-block event.
The judges will be voting on the top fifteen most creative, spring-themed outfits and bonnets as well as style, originality and showmanship. An entry can include a dog in its outfit and/ or bonnet, a dog with its float or props, a dog and its owner both in costumes, a grouping of dogs with a single theme or any combination thereof. The sky’s the limit! An Awards ceremony will take place at the park immediately after the parade.
Each parade entry involves a donation. For a $35.00 donation per animal to Haute Dogs, an owner receives: registration for the dog in the Easter Parade, a Haute Dog tee shirt, and an invitation for owner and pooch to parade right behind the Easter King and Queen, near the front of the procession. Prizes include free dog food for a year.
Part of the day’s festivities will include a Super Pet Adoption Fair. This will be held on Easter Sunday at 2 PM (“Yappy Hour”) along the sidewalks of Second Street, Belmont Shore, Long Beach. The Adoption Fair features demos by Disc Dogs in Southern California and more than fifty vendor booths.
Why couldn’t this same idea be adopted to the sidewalks of New York and New Jersey? Dog owners and lovers unite! Look at it from another point of view; it’s one way to get rid of all those Easter bonnets lying around your attic and gathering dust.
Yappy Easter!
For more information on this wonderful event, please visit this non-profit website dedicated to the owner’s (Justin Rudd) bulldog, Rosie, and “to all dogs who continue to be brave and loving.”
http://www.hautedogs.org/easter.html or contact the owner himself at:
JustinRudd@aol.com