We Have a Costume Contest Winner . . . and a New Mascot
The Hardeman Adoptable Animals (HAA) held its annual March of Dogs Parade and pet contest on Saturday, October 14, 2022, in Bolivar with more than 10 contestants participating. Dogs were transformed into spiders, a prisoner, a clown’s sidekick, and more displaying creativity for a chance to win the titles and specially crafted gift baskets full of goodies.
The HAA Costume Contest Winners were 1st Place – Jailbird dog Kerchak with April Smith; 2nd Place – Vols Family dogs Smokey and Bella with Megan, Peyon, and Zoey Roberts; and 3rd Place – Loofah and Soap dog Chanel with Karen Wheeler.
The morning of festivities began with a line up of costumed dogs in the Fred’s parking lot. Dogs and their pet owners/guardians left the parking lot, paraded along Market Street for the 1/2 mile walk, and finished at courthouse square.
Mayor Todd Pulse was the grand marshal for the event and was escorted around in an ATV with the Adoptable Animals mascots, Chico and Eddie.
There was a lot of cuteness, coolness, and love of animals seen at the event.
One could tell the dogs were more than just pets to the people who brought them out for the event to celebrate and bring awareness to responsible pet ownership.
Along with celebrating contest winners, it was the changing of the guard for the Adoptable Animals mascot Chico who has gone on transports, overseen the construction of the new shelter, and done community service. Chico proudly handed his crown over to Eddie who will now serve as the official HAA mascot.
Eddie received a pawshake/handshake from longtime HAA volunteer Sherri Taylor giving him formal approval as he took his new position as mascot.
Bolivar Central High School students Paige Stallworth (senior) stood in as Chico and Tiara Hill (junior) stood in as Eddie volunteering for the event.
Cindy Hamrick has volunteered with the HAA since 2005, and was the emcee for the pet contest. The idea for the parade and contest was one of Hamrick’s and another HAA volunteer at the time, Cathy Hudson.
“The parade was started in 2005. We hoped to raise the awareness of the pet overpopulation in Hardeman County and let people know there is something you can do,” said Hamrick. “Cathy wanted to see how long we could make the line of dogs for the parade to culminate at the square with a pet costume contest. We also wanted to give those responsible pet owners a way to celebrate their pets and just parade them around and show how much they are loved.”
Hamrick noted there are about 55 dogs currently being housed at the shelter and that it stays full.
“We are just so proud of all of the people who come out every year,” said Hamrick.
You may see some of the dogs waiting for their forever homes at the Hardeman Adoptable Animals.
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