Mardi Gras goes to the dogs!

    We have so much fun in South Louisiana every winter during Carnival, it seems wrong to limit it to just humans.
    That’s why in addition to the many Lafayette krewes hosting Carnival balls and parades during the Carnival season, concluding on the big day of Mardi Gras (Feb. 12 this year), we have special events for our four-legged residents.
    The Krewe des Chiens — in French that means Krewe for Dogs — hosts an annual dog parade through the downtown Lafayette streets. This year’s theme for the Saturday, Feb. 2, Krewe des Chiens Parade is “Paw-rates of the Atchafalaya” and the pirate-costumed canines will parade through downtown beginning at 2 p.m.
    Like all Lafayette Carnival parades, the event is free, open to the public and perfectly suitable for families.
    And if you want to join in the parade, membership is open to all breeds, sizes and origins of dogs for $25 in advance, $35 on parade day. Visit the Krewe des Chiens Web site for details. Parade watchers are encouraged to bring dogs and dress them up as well.
    The Krewe des Chien’s mission to assist area shelters and animal aid organizations in the Acadiana area. The group has distributed nearly $20,000 to 10 Acadiana organizations!
    For a neighborhood experience, the Second Annual Pawdi Gras on the Pond dog parade and costume contest will be held in the Sugar Mill Pond subdivision of Youngsville from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3. This year’s theme is “Laissez Les Bon Chiens Rouler!” with awards given for King and Queen, most creative, best pet/owner look alike, best theme and other categories.