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The La Conner Chamber of Commerce's second annual pet parade shone bright last Saturday on what was arguably the nicest day of the year so far. The sunshine brought people from all corners of town – and outside of La Conner – to participate in and watch this fun event. Canines were the center of the show, but a few exotic pets showed up – a Rhode Island Red hen named Jennifeather, a rabbit and a cat named Gizmo.

Gina McCarthy Torpey, event organizer, said nearly all 50 registration slots were filled and most people had more than one dog per group. "There is quite a bit more than last year" observed McCarthy Torpey as she busily helped pet owners get lined up for the parade at the Swinomish Yacht Club parking lot staging area. Last year's parade was tucked away at the school district's football stadium, a COVID-19 pandemic precaution.

One heartwarming moment took place when the bustling parade made its way past the La Conner Retirement Inn on First Street. Adoring residents sat outside to watch the creatively decorated pets strut on by, each spectator with a smile as wide as the blue spring sky.

It is clear that this unique parade brings joy to people. "I love it! I'm in the tulip parade and others and this one is the best. It's such a happy parade," beamed Marilynn Olson. Olson and her two mini poodles, Goldie and Louis, won the award for Best Family Costume. Her young friend, Julia Rivas, helped decorate the pups with bright colors and flowers and turned their leashes into flower stems.

The Grand Prize title went to Rocco, a Blue Heeler mix owned by Lula and Christine Friday. They put together their winning ensemble the night before after learning about it on the Skagit Kid Insider. Lula had a Mardi Gras inspired sparkling yellow mask that helped their group stand out among the lively crowd.

The Friday family is new to Skagit Valley and is already making fun memories here. There were a number of other locals in attendance who recently moved to the area. Bodie and Alice, a Chihuahua and Pomeranian, came two years ago when owners Kate and Pontus Niklasson decided to set roots in La Conner. The Niklassons made their own mini parade float, complete with a festive, oversized stuffed bunny.

Best Costume went to Jack Frost, a "morkie" Maltese/Yorkie mix. Owner Kiana Jenkins used Pinterest to pick out a motorcycle outfit for her pet. Jack Frost, who has worn costumes since puppyhood, didn't even try to knock off his little sunglasses.

The pet parade had longtime locals participate. Alexa Robbins has lived in La Conner for almost 30 years. Robbins said this "gets everybody out to do something fun and joyous. There is lots of laughter and silliness. It's a great way to celebrate spring with kids and older adults." Robbins, who came with Jeanne Hathaway, dressed up along with their dogs, Taffie, a Havanese and Tulip, a miniature Yorkie. They agreed a lot of work goes into an event like this. "Gina took it on. We can all thank her since she's the one that made it happen. We're lucky to have her" said Robbins.

Because We Care Rescue had a booth with two sets of puppies on site. The dogs were too young to adopt, but they did a great job attracting a crowd and drawing awareness to the local animal shelter. "Our resources are stretched to the max" said owner Natalie Walsh.

Ways to reduce strain on the rescue population include: Get animals spayed or neutered and know your rights. Walsh says you can get your pet designated as an emotional service animal to avoid rent restrictions in some cases. For those who didn't have a chance to bring food for the pet food drive, or if you are interested in pet adoption, visit their Facebook page to get connected (www.facebook.com/BecauseWeCareRescue).

Marissa Conklin

Shonley Sperling and her cat, Gizmo took home the Best Cat Award.

Many of the treasured dogs in the pet parade were rescues themselves. Blake and Deborah Wheeler have a Husky named Natasha who became blind from cataracts after they adopted her. "We are her seeing-eye humans. We take her hiking and help her get up the stairs. We'll make sure she's got a great life." said Blake. Two other dogs that clearly have great life are Chico and Rosie, the locally famous "doxymoron" duo belonging to Peter Millington. The brother and sister dachshund mixes used to live in Hawaii and were especially appreciative of the sunny weather.

All the dogs were well behaved. "None of the dogs really cared that there was a cat" said Shonley Sperling, who brought her pet in a carrier backpack. She took home the impromptu Best Cat Award, as she had the only feline.

This year's success is sure to make the pet parade a La Conner staple in a town that loves to get together and share a street stroll several times a year.