Beggin' Pet Parade

The costume traditions of Mardi Gras are not just for humans, and the Beggin' Pet Parade is the proof. On Sunday, Febrauary 4, beloved dogs who are comfortable wearing clothes, costumes or exotic outfits gather with their people at South Twelfth Street and Allen Avenue (www.stlmardigras.org/events/beggin-pet-parade) for the 1 p.m. parade of pooches. It's free to watch, and if you believe your dog has the charisma and "wow" factor to be named one of the best-dressed pets in the parade, it's only $10 to register a single canine; the judges will select the most gloriously attired canines for the Court of the Mystical Krewe of Barkus at the Coronation Pageant, where the King and Queen of Barkus will be anointed with their crowns. Registration fees help the Open Door Animal Sanctuary. Dogs helping dogs is the hope our nation needs now.