It was a bright, sunny day in downtown Baton Rouge. The warmth of the sun was alleviated by little gusts of wind, just enough to feel a refreshing chill. The energy was high as people gathered in Galvez Plaza, accompanied by the smell of good food, the sound of fun music and the view of tents selling lots of fun goodies.
There was one part of this gathering that made it so special. In fact, it was the whole reason everyone was gathered together.
There were dogs all around.
The Mystic Krewe of Mutts Parade started in 1999 as an annual fundraiser for the Capital Area Animal Welfare Society’s spay and neuter programs. The main mission of CAAWS is to keep the pet overpopulation down by promoting the importance of spaying and neutering.
President Libby Haydel of CAAWS talked about the astounding work the nonprofit organization does for dogs and cats.
“Our spay and neuter programs include not only spaying and neutering the adoptable dogs and cats in our shelter or foster program, but also helping the public spay and neuter their pets if they need financial assistance,” Haydel said. “We have a spay-neuter voucher program where people can go online and apply to get a voucher that you bring to a participating veterinarian.”
Not only does CAAWS help people spay and neuter their pets, but they also help people pay for annual shots if they can’t afford it.
The Mystic Krewe of Mutts Parade extends beyond just a simple parade. Instead, it is a day full of fun events. Business vendors support CAAWS and pay to set up tents in Galvez Plaza, many selling items. There are also various food vendors. For example, Frankie’s Dawg House was selling hotdogs this year — especially fitting, given the occasion.
At 11 a.m., the K-9 division of the Baton Rouge Police Department did a demonstration in the Plaza that was followed by a dog costume contest. This year, the theme was “Hairy Pawter,” and many dogs were dressed as Hufflepuffs, Gryffindors, Slytherins and Ravenclaws.
“It is hard work,” Haydel said. “There’s a lot to do that people would never realize that goes into planning a parade.”
Jamie Kurash is involved with adoptions on Saturdays at CAAWS and walked her foster dog, Andy, for the first time in the parade.
“The dog costumes are my favorite,” Kurash said.
It was Jada Tucker’s fourth year attending the parade. However, this year was her first year attending with her dog, Cash.
“My favorite part is the local vendors and the dog costume contest,” Tucker said.
The Mystic Krewe of Mutts’ annual sponsors are Raising Cane’s, Subaru of Baton Rouge, Centerline Engineering and Land Surveying, Vex European and White Oak Animal Hospital.
“Raising Cane’s is our premier parade sponsor, and they have been for about the past 15 years,” Haydel said. “They usually ride in front, and they bring Cane III, their dog, to be our Grand Marshal.”
The parade rolled at 2 p.m. following the dog costume contest. Cane III led the parade on a golf cart as the Grand Marshal, but she was not the only high-ranking dog in the parade. This year, she was accompanied by King Drako and Queen Pretzel, two CAAWS dogs who are up for adoption.
The parade consisted of a mix of CAAWS dogs who are available for adoption and people in the public who signed up to walk. The public can pre-register or sign up the day of the parade to walk or put their dogs in the costume contest.
The parade started on St. Ferdinand Street and North Boulevard and ended at 4th Street. After the parade, the energy still remained high as people and their dogs hung out in the Galvez Plaza, shopping at booths and hanging out as a community.
“The most fun part of it is seeing everyone the day of,” Haydel said. “Like, the public having so much fun and bringing their dogs out, and being so thankful that we do it. That makes it all worth it.”
