Beggin'(R) Pet Parade Celebrates Its Sweet Sixteen

February 2009 - Pets of all sizes, shapes and colors - purple, green and gold -put on their party hats and paraded through the streets of St. Louis for the 16th annual Beggin' Pet Parade that kicked-off the city's 2009 Mardi Gras celebration. As one of the world's premiere pet events, the Beggin' Pet Parade annually attracts more than 8,000 pets and 80,000 people looking for a tail-wagging good time.

Thousands of four-legged party animals decked out in their most creative Mardi Gras-themed costumes and marched through Soulard, St. Louis' very own French Quarter, for the opportunity to grab some of their favorite treats and mingle with fellow pooch pals. A one-of-its-kind yellow Beggin' float led a massive sea of colorfully dressed dogs, cats, rabbits and other beloved pets towards the parade's conclusion at Soulard Market Park.

One of the highlights of this year's parade was the coronation ceremony to select the 2009 Beggin' Court. Five lucky costumed canines were chosen to be the King, Queen, Prince, Princess and Jester of the Court as last year's court stepped down from their thrones. The winning dogs represent the spirit of the celebration through their memorable, fun-loving personalities and elaborate attention-getting costumes. All five of the canine court members take home royal titles, along with prizes including a year's supply of Beggin'(R) Strips. Back by popular demand, the best group costume title of "Most Loyal Subjects" was awarded to the pack of pooches whose collaborative costume efforts are heads and tails above the rest.

Best of all, the 2009 Beggin' Pet Parade helps raise funds for the homeless pets at Open Door Animal Sanctuary, a no-kill animal shelter in the St. Louis area.

Visit beggintime.com for more information on this event.

Produced for Purina