Hello, everyone! If you weren’t at the Mardi Gras Pet Parade on Canal Street, on Saturday, Feb 7, you missed a great event! Folks, let me tell you, there were dogs of every breed, size, and shape dressed to the top with Mardi Gras attire. We had several pet owners who donned Mardi Gras costumes and proudly walked our Canal Street beside their pets. Along the sidewalks, people filled the area with well wishers who cheered the parade as it made its way down the street and back to the judges table. The Grand Marshal for the parade was our very own K9 Officer, Slade, and his partner, Officer David Williams. Walking with them was Southeast Volusia Humane Society’s very own LUV, the big black and white mascot. The New Smyrna Beach Fire Dept. followed the Grand Marshals with a special treat! Sitting proudly on top of the firetruck was New Smyrna Beach’s very own movie star, Piper, who played Marley in the movie “Marley and Me.” Piper handled the parade smoothly as he barked his way down Canal Street.

What a crowd pleaser he is! One of the biggest treats for the parade was Dalmation Rescue, who traveled from Miami, as well as other areas of the state, just to be there. It was a sight to see a dozen or more dalmations following the fire truck. Patty, from Dalmation Rescue, thanked the crowd and explained that all the dalmations were all up for adoption. She carried a dalmation named Legend, who was also in the movie “Marley and Me.”

The Southeast Volusia Humane Society followed the dalmations with their banner, carried by my mom, Debi Laibe, and my aunt, Gayle Marsh. There were as many people watching the parade as there was in the parade! Of course, I walked very proudly down the street in my Mardi Gras costume. You probably didn’t recognize me because I was walking next to my buddy, Beau, a very large mastiff, who was dressed in matching costumes with his mom.

The judges for the event were our beloved mayor, Sally Mackay, retired veterinarian and good friend to the animals, Dr. Leo Neves, and from WESH 2 NEWS Morning anchorperson, Syan Rhodes. The judges had a very difficult time trying to choose winners. They were all winners! They finally came down to the crowd favorite for pet and owner in costume, and that ribbon went to my buddy, Beau, and his mom. The grand ribbon for pet and owners went to David and Karin Jenkins, and their two furkids, Daisy and Tommy. David and Karin were dressed in king and queen attire, with Daisy and Tommy as their subjects. All of their costumes were made by David Jenkins and they clearly came to the parade prepared to compete.

Next week, you will find me at SEVHS for their Valentine’s Day LUV Connection. It’s National Rescue Week and the shelter will be having some great adoption packages along with games, prizes and lots of fun. Come out and support them as they try to make a LUV connection for you.

Thank you, Southeast Volusia for your support of these wonderful volunteers. Come out to the shelter and meet my friends. Tell them Mango sent you! Have a wonderful week!

Mango, a rescued pet, is the inspiration for this column by Debi Laibe.
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