Pet Parade biggest yet
BULLETIN PHOTO/Tracy Thayer Allison the Lemur, owned by Mark Anders of Bandera, was awarded first place in the Most Original Pet Category in this year’s pet parade.
The 25th annual Bandera Fourth of July Pet Parade drew more visitors this year than ever before.
The crowd enjoyed a cool morning as the parade contestants waited patiently for the judging to begin.
The audience lined the hillside overlooking a languid green Medina River.
At 10:00 a.m.,the owners lined their pets up and got ready for the parade to begin.
Results were announced as the pets crossed the finish line.
Best of Show was awarded to Duchess and Elsa, shown by Roxane Deluna of Boerne. The two Scotties were posed in a vignette from the Disney movie “Cocoa.”
Most Creative was presented to Jolene shown by Joyce Hayes of Dripping Springs. The Chow Chow was dressed as historic cowgirl and crack shot Annie Oakley.
In the Star-Spangled category, Goonie, shown by Karen Cole of Dripping Springs, placed first. The English Bulldog, a rescue from Lizzy’s Animal Hospice, regally sauntered down the parade route to receive his blue ribbon.
In second place, Baby Girl, a Yorkie-Cairn Terrier mix was the boss and had personality plus. Baby Girl is a rescue from Doggies R Us and was shown by Bonnie Kelley of Bandera.
In third place, Chihuahuas Sandy and Pee Wee were shown by Brent and Mary Beth Ralla of San Antonio.
Jett Lipka of Center Point with his coal black pug, Bug, took first place in the Best of the West category.
Second place went to Diesel, a Great Dane, shown by Lela Davis of Comfort. Diesel showed amazing energy and enthusiasm for his turn as a parade contestant.
In third place, Doodlebob, a Red Heeler shown by Julie Lipka of Center Point rounded out the awards.
In the Most Talented Category, Taz Sandidge, a Red Heeler, shown by Rayni Sandidge of Bandera was awarded the blue ribbon for first place. Second place in the Most Talented category went to Denver Mastin, a White Golden Retriever shown by Angel Mastin of Bandera. Denver got a rousing round of applause from the audience to celebrate his recent retirement from serving as a 14- year service dog. In third place, Beau, a Dachshund shown by David Sixt of San Antonio rounded out the field.
Scarlet, a Red Heeler, shown by Haisley June, Hensley Rae and Jacob of Bandera received the blue ribbon for the Looka-Like Category.
In the Most Original Pet category, Allison the lemur, won first place. She was shown by Mark Anders of Bandera. Mark commented that he had to wait for three years to be considered as a candidate to own this exotic primate. Allison showed the love as she snuggled around Mark’s neck to observe the festivities.
In second place, Blake and Echo Shelton, Anatolian Shepherds shown by Greg and Amanda White of Floresville, came as “tigers” for their turn as contestants. Greg, dressed as Joe Exotic and Amanda as Carole Baskin of “Tiger King” reality tv show fame showed a flair for drama with their costumes.
Third place went to a duo of tiny dogs, Daisy, a Shetland Sheepdog, and Halo, a Malta-Friche, came to the parade dressed as “essential workers.” Daisy had on her “brown” UPS outfit while Halo sported the navy blue of the Postal Service. Both, of course, carried packages. Daisy and Halo were shown by Linda and Leanne of Bandera.
In the category of Favorite Storybook Character, a group consisting of Eddy, Penny, Bella and Cooper, came to the parade as Rudolf and Santa’s reindeer and won first place. They were shown by Mary Lou, Natalya, Kayla and Rainey of Pipe Creek.
Second place went to Daisy, a Boxer mix, who portrayed the Queen of Hearts. Daisy was shown by Dawn Paterson of Dripping Springs.
Third place was awarded to Lady Bug, a Mini-Pin, who was shown by Emma and Hannah McCartney of Bandera. The group came as the Hunter, Bambi’s mother and Bambi.
The Pet Parade would like to thank their sponsor, the Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League, Inc as well as the judges and volunteers for this year’s event.
The Barrel House Feed Store in Pipe Creek donated the free dog treats.
Thanks also go to Joyce who made and donated the gift baskets that were given away at the parade.
As always, big thanks go to the Gibson Sisters, Laurie and Sally, who announced the parade with humor and wit.
For more information on adopting a local rescue pet, contact the Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League at www.ccpal.info.