The 28th annual Bandera Pet Parade drew over 50 pets to compete for ribbons and walk in the yearly pet parade on July 4 held at the Bandera River Park. Entry to the park and parade was free.
Everyone who attended received a free ticket for drawings of pet treat baskets which were provided by friend of the parade, Joyce. The Barrel House Feed Store gave treats for all the contestants as well as the many pets who accompanied their owners just to watch.
All pets were welcome to compete. The rules stated that “anything, any breed, any age, that can be led, ridden or carried” qualifies to be entered. This year the pets ranged from piglets, goats, a chicken, horses, a paper maché porcupine, and of course, many dogs. The dogs came in all breeds and sizes from Great Danes and Anatolian Shepherds to tiny chihuahuas and fluffy Shih Tzus.
Before the parade, the judges viewed the contestants and interviewed their handlers. The categories that the contestants could qualify for were Star Spangled Honors (patriotic), Best of the Wild West, Look-a-Likes, Most Original, and Favorite Storybook Character.
To begin the 10:00 AM parade, the Hill Country State Natural Area Mounted Patrol began by carrying the US and Texas flags while they performed a rehearsed routine for the crowd. These equestrians executed this pattern along the parade route with great skill as the national anthem played.
After the flags had been presented, the parade began. Each contestant or group walked down the parade route and stopped halfway to receive a participation ribbon, or an award.
The Best of Show went to pugs Danny and Wednesday, shown by Greg and Martha Acevedo of Bandera. Danny was adopted from Pug Rescue of Austin.
The award for Most Creative went to Elsa and Lilo, a Scotty dog and a West Highland Terrier. The pair rode on a flatbed decorated with a beach motif and themes from the Disney movie, Lilo and Stitch.
In the Star-Spangled category, first place went to Baby, a dwarf Nigerian goat, who was hand raised and used in yoga classes. Baby was shown by Robin Reid.
Sadie and Hazel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, shown by Larkin and Leila won second place in the patriotic category. The dynamic duo showed what amazing pets King Charles Spaniels
make.
Third place in the Star-Spangled category went to Khaleesi and Melody, terrier mixes adopted from the Animal Defense League and San Antonio Pets Alive. They were shown by Hilary Debow of Bandera who mentioned that both loved peanut butter and giving kisses.
A group won first place in the Best of the Wild West competition. These pooches were shown by the Rainey family of Pipe Creek. The contestants consisted of four mixed breeds, one sheepdog, two Labradors, and one Border Collie.
Penny, Brody, Finley, Bella, Cooper, Gus, Rusty, and Eddie strolled quietly with their family. Rusty was adopted from BARC in Houston, Eddie was adopted from a shelter in Houston and Brody was adopted from a shelter in Mississippi. This great group of winners shows how wonderful shelter pets can be.
Second place in the Best of the Wild West category was the happy chihuahua, Sparky, who was adopted from local dog foster mom Trish Hamilton and shown by owner Cindy Harrington of Bandera.
The third place in Best of the West is Ruby, a happy girl who smiles all the time. She was rescued from Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League by the Jones family of Bandera.
In the Look-a-like category, Ladybug, a miniature pinscher and frequent parade participant won first place. She was shown by Emma and Hannah McCartney of Bandera.
Golden Dixie Mae, shown by Angel Mastin of Bandera won 2nd place.
Rayni Sandidge, Bandera Rodeo Queen, showed Mini Aussie Sadie who won third place in the look-a-like competition.
First place in the most original pet category went to Pooh and Piglet, Kune Kune piglets, shown by Aurea and Adeline of Pipe Creek. These pigs are gentle and friendly and do not root.
Maurice, a Labrador, shown by Shirley Almond of Bandera earned second place in the most original pet category. Third place went to Geraldene, the Chow dog, shown by Richard Hayes of Dripping Springs, Texas.
In the Favorite Storybook Character category, first place went to Anatolian Shepherds Marcy, Echo, and Ace as the Three “Little” Pigs. These parade favorites were shown by Greg and Amanda White of Floresville. They were adopted from the National Anatolian Shepherd Rescue in Bastrop, Texas.
Lucille and Daisy, a chow and a terrier mix, won second place in the storybook character category. They were shown by Joyce Hayes and Dawn Paterson of Dripping Springs.
Third place went to Dino and Barkley, mixed breeds, shown by Jim and Lori Lundy of Bandera. Dino was a rescue from San Antonio Pets Alive. Barkley was rescued from the Hill Country Animal League in Buchanan Dam City.
The Bandera Pet Parade would like to thank their sponsor, the Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League, Inc. (CCPAL) for their support. The parade could not take place without the judges and volunteers.
Big thanks go to the Gibson Sisters, Laurie and Sally, who were parade emcees and brought the sound system. Their jokes always entertain the crowd.
The Bandera Pet Parade is a free event that takes place on the morning of July 4 at the Bandera River Park. All are welcome to enter or view the parade.
