Capital Area Animal Welfare Society held their 18th annual Mystic Krewe of Mutts Parade and Bark in the Park events this weekend, effectively kicking off the Mardi Gras season with a “woof.”
All proceeds from the event will go to the CAAWS organization to raise money for their community outreach spay and neuter program. Bark in the Park, their largest and most successful fundraiser, features a costume contest, shopping and a parade — all for pups.
Current Public Relations Chair, interim Humane Education Chair and 12 year CAAWS member Kathy McCutcheon recognizes the event and the money raised as an important part of taking care of the animals of Baton Rouge.
“This annual event is CAAWS’ largest fundraiser to promote spay/neuter programs in the Baton Rouge area,” McCutheon said. “Our goal each year is to collect at least $10,000 in parade fees, sales and donations. With this, we can spay and neuter more than 300 cats and dogs each year, thus reducing overpopulation, suffering and abandoned animals.”
However, the activities not only benefit the animals, but also the Baton Rouge community. People from all over the area flocked downtown to show their support, as well as their best doggy costumes.
In addition, local vendors are invited to the Bark in the Park parade day events to showcase their pet-related businesses to the public. McCutcheon said she believes this is a good way for local businesses, as well as non-profits, to connect with the Baton Rouge community in a fun and personal way.
“The parade and day-long activities have become a family favorite event in our area,” McCutcheon said. “Bark in the Park allows animal related businesses and non-profits to come together to show what they have to offer to the public — a one shop stop.”
Although fun, this year’s parade and related events were centered around a more serious theme — flood assistance.
During the Great Flood of 2016, CAAWS collected five tons of food and supplies, donated over $1500 in vaccines and provided $10,000 worth of spay and neuter assistance to flood victims. During the Mardi Gras season CAAWS saw their annual parade as another way to help out.
“The theme this year is ‘All Paws On Deck — Louisiana Strong, Baton Rouge Proud,’” said McCutcheon. “We will be recognizing first responders, the Cajun Navy and Celtic Media for their help in rescue and recovery during the Great Flood of 2016.”
A great way to raise funds for an important cause, an effective way to connect a community and a fun day for pets and their owners, this year’s CAAWS Krewe of Mutts parade and Bark in the Park events were a hit with local businesses, the dog-loving community and especially the deserving animals of Baton Rouge.
The CAAWS Mystic Krewe of Mutts parade runs on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017, in Downtown Baton Rouge starting at Town Square.
