NATCHEZ, MS — HoofBeats and PawPrints Rescue (HPR) will host its first Krewe of Barkus walking parade at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, on the Natchez Bluff. The goal of the Krewe of Barkus is to celebrate great dogs and bring awareness to pet rescue and adoption.
The public is invited to bring their dog for a “Mardi Gras Mutt March” along the bluff. Judges, including Mayor and Mrs. Gibson, will be on hand to determine who will be in this year’s court at the end of the parade. In addition to crowning a King and Queen, awards will be made for costumes, including most creative, best dressed dog-owner, best group, and best use of Mardi Gras theme.
Animals from area shelters, including NACHS, Vidalia Dog Pound and Concordia PAWs have also been invited to participate – so this is a great opportunity to find a future “fur-buddy” and consider adopting a local homeless pet. Great pets that have been overlooked at local shelters in recent months will be featured. All participating shelter animals will be fully vaccinated and special treats will be provided to all four-legged participants. There is no participation fee although monetary and dog food donations to HPR will be gratefully accepted.
Prize contributors include Dairy Queen, Gene’s Tires, Pet Sense, The Markets, SouthSide Veterinary Clinic and Tractor Supply.
We created this family focused event to encourage pet lovers throughout the Miss-Lou to dress up with their dog and show support for adoptions of homeless pets,” said Kathy Fitch, president of HPR.
This year’s parade Grand Marshal is “Beany Baby”, a 14-year-old terrier mix who was adopted several years ago by HPR founders Kathy and Jay Fitch. “BB” supervises and rides along on each long-distance HPR transport. She’ll be decked out for Mardi Gras on February 19th.
About HoofBeats and PawPrints Rescue:
HPR coordinates the collection of candidate animals from shelters and designated foster homes throughout the region. It coordinates care and veterinary screening of the transport candidate animals through both a quarantine and socialization program and provides volunteers drivers to move animals to collaborating agencies utilizing specially designed vehicles. Animals are received at no-kill adoption centers in other parts of the nation.
While HPR employs animal caregivers, all individuals participating in HPR’s leadership are volunteers and donors. Not only are the individual pets (and families that adopt them) blessed, but transport also has a very positive impact on our communities. By transporting our overabundance of pets — space is opened in area shelters so more homeless pets can be helped. It also increases placement options so less “desperation dumping” occurs. And, as a result, less pets die of starvation and neglect.
Comments