Baton Rouge’s canine krewe: May the paws be with you
On Jan. 31, the Mystic Krewe of Mutts presents “Paw Wars—The Furs Unleashed.” Since 1999, the city’s only canine krewe has paraded downtown to raise awareness and funds for Capital Area Welfare Society (CAAWS)—the region’s oldest animal rescue.
Last year’s event drew an estimated 12,000 spectators. “The number of people attending grows each year,” says CAAWS Past President Frank Parks. “The parade audience has become so big that the police has asked us to extend the route on to Convention Street.”
While the parade begins at 2 p.m. on North Boulevard, many people and their pooches come early to enjoy a day filled with Fideaux-friendly events. From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Bark in the Park at Galvez Plaza features police dog demonstrations, adorable adoptable animals from a variety of rescues, humane education information booths, food vendors and even pet chic boutiques. Pre-parade festivities include contests for the best float and costume.
Krewe of Mutts is CAAWS’ biggest fundraiser. Each year, the $14,000 raised is dedicated year-round operating funds for the non-profit’s shelter, education, community outreach and spay/neuter programs.
With a registration fee of $30 per person/dog and $5 per additional person or dog—or $100 per pack—Krewe of Mutts makes Mardi Gras parade participation an affordable extravagance. And, since registration is considered as a donation to the non-profit, all fees are tax deductible.
To order this year’s T-shirt (which is going quickly) or to register, visit caaws.org.
Creature feature
These are among the animals who benefit from this year’s parade proceeds:
Annalise, a 1.5-year-old terrier mix, enjoys running, jumping and playing all day. As much as she loves making furry friends and exploring the outdoors, she loves cuddling with a family. Annalise is best suited to a moderate- to high-energy family.
Named for Arabian royalty, Amira is a 3-year-old dilute tortie who loves attention and being petted/held. She’ll wait by the door to welcome her family home. She learns routines quickly, so it won’t take her long to learn how to become part of the family.
Stevie Bear is 84 pounds of pure dog! While his size may seem intimidating, this 2-year-old mastiff/lab mix is the sweetest goofball. He gets along great with people of all ages and dogs as small as his head. He is crate trained and responds to the sit, wait and stay commands.
Although she’s 7 years old, Copper is still very kittenish—very active and playful. While she’s independent, she can also be an affectionate lap cat. She’s content to be an only cat, but she is willing to share an owner with other felines in a fur-ever home.
Sasha is a 1-year-old terrier mix. She may have a tiny body and little puppy face, but Sasha has a huge personality. This gentle and playful young girl’s favorite game to play is fetch. Sasha gets along wonderfully with other dogs, although she sometimes tries to scare them away with her terrifying bark!
When it comes to Fritz, think surfer dude. He is very chill about changes and willing to dive into anything. He loves to play and run around like crazy. He does well with other cats and tolerates cat-friendly dogs.
All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested and microchipped. Many other adoptable dogs, puppies, cats and kittens are available through Capital Area Animal Welfare Society.
While the parade begins at 2 p.m. on North Boulevard, many people and their pooches come early to enjoy a day filled with Fideaux-friendly events. From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Bark in the Park at Galvez Plaza features police dog demonstrations, adorable adoptable animals from a variety of rescues, humane education information booths, food vendors and even pet chic boutiques. Pre-parade festivities include contests for the best float and costume.
