Parade Marshalls “Dorothy and Toto” will lead the 13th annual Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade

Galveston Island, TX.  Parade Marshalls “Dorothy and Toto” will lead the 13th annual Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade, sponsored by the Galveston Island Humane Society (GIHS), on Sunday, March 6th – beginning at 1pm.  Promoting the theme “A Wonderful World of Paws…. There’s No Place Like A Home “, this popular Mardi Gras event will kick off from 27th and Seawall Blvd and continue west to 46th and Seawall Blvd, before disbanding in the parking lot of the Academy Sports and Outdoor store. “Dorothy and Toto” will lead pets and their humans down the parade route and will be joined by Ginger Herter with “King George” (the GIHS Pet of the Year crowned at the Shelter’s annual PAWS Gala).  Registration and check in will begin at 11am, at 26th and Seawall Blvd.  Judging for the costume contest (pets and owners are encouraged to dress in their favorite costumes) will take place from noon until the start of the parade.  Winners will be announced and ribbons presented at the conclusion of the parade, Academy parking area.

The parade’s “Dorothy” will be Cat Cessac, on staff at the GIHS, and her “Toto” is a rescue dog – adopted from the Shelter.  Sponsored by and benefiting exclusively the Galveston Island Humane Society (GIHS), proceeds from the Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade will be dedicated to the shelter’s ongoing spay/neuter programs that assist low-income families to decrease the number of unwanted pets on the island. Sponsors to date include Mills Shirley L.L.P., Kempner Capital Management Company, What We Do Best, LLC; and Lawren Ethridge Bradford.

Advance registration is $20 per pet – with deadline for advance reservation by close of business on Wednesday, March 2nd.  The first 300 entries are guaranteed a colorful 2011 custom-designed parade T-shirt. Day- of- parade registration is $30 per pet. Each pet owner will receive a wrist band as proof of entry and a surprise gift.  Proof of current rabies vaccinations is required for each entry and all pets walking must be on a leash no longer than six feet. No retractable leashes will be allowed. Beads will not be provided. Parade participants who wish to throw beads will be required to bring their own supply. This is a long parade, and owners are encouraged to discontinue participation in the parade if their animal becomes distressed or overheated.

In the spirit of Mardi Gras, the Galveston Island Humane Society also extends an invitation to any animal rescue organization ( 501 c.3) in the area to participate. The fee is a minimum contribution of $25 per organization and requires a representative of the animal welfare organization to contact GIHS in advance to make reservations to participate.

Check in and on-site registration will begin at 11am in the open lot at 26th and Seawall Boulevard. To request a registration form or for more information about the parade, contact the GIHS at 409.740.1919, or register online at www.galvestonhumane.org.

The Galveston Island Humane Society has recently reopened in its new, expanded facility at 6814 Broadway. Shelter hours are 11-6, Monday- Friday; 11-5, Saturday; closed Sunday.  The GIHS is an open admission shelter for Galveston Island. Programs and services offered include adoption, re-homing, lost and found, humane education and community outreach programs. For more information concerning adoption and the many community programs sponsored by GIHS, email inquiries to info@galvestonhumane.org, or call the Shelter office at 409.740.1919.