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ig and small, seniors and pups – dogs of all ages entered the 2023 PAWS Pet Parade.

The parade is the biggest annual fundraiser for the Pamlico Animal Welfare Society. It begins in Lou Mac Park with humans registering their canine friends, and the dogs exchanging customary greetings. There were 53 dogs registered, with several others watching the parade go by.

Getting into costume can take a bit of wrangling.

This year, the pastors from Pamlico Presbyterian Church, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, and the Oriental United Methodist Church were on hand to bless the animals if their humans so desired.

Mary Taylor holds her ladybug.

Chloe in a Deer Stalker cap. She won for best costume.

As judges strolled through the crowd, meeting the canine contestants, a Bribe Judge also strolled through – taking bribes to elevate a dog’s standing.

The fleas are getting out of hand.

The parade itself began around 11a, with a walk down Freemason St. away from the park, down First Avenue toward the Duck Pond, to King Street and headed back toward the water, and ending with a walk down South Avenue back to Lou Mac Park.

Cupid is a 3 1/2 month pup ready for adoption. Friendly, trained, and ready to go. Find him at the Colonial Capital Humane Society 252-633-0146.

The winning dogs and their humans were announced at the end. PAWS has not finished tallying the results, but say they are “thrilled with the generosity of the community.”

Throwing a wink to the crowd.

2023 Pet Parade Winners

• Best Behaved: Pippen with Camelia and Molly
• Most Funny: Lulu with Shirley Righter
• Friendliest: Sherman with Diane & Larry
• Most Lookalike: Willy the Most Wonderful Dog
• Best Theme: Bella with Lizzie
• Cutest: Oliver with Marian & Per
• Most Unusual: Simon with Carol
• Best Costume: Chloe w/ Jerry
• Holyist: Cowboy with Father Bruce
• Most Adoptable: Otis (who found his forever home)
• Highest Bribe: Maggie with Deb
• Cutest Triplets: Bash, Easy, & Daisy
• Most Handsome: Dog (pronounced De-oge) with Berkley Hill
• Oldest participant: Odie
• Best in Show: Harley with Olivia

Bella was carted around the parade route.

Harley and Olivia won for Best in Show.

A little side-eye from this pet, who was busy asking for attention from their owner.

Jack carried his own lead through Lou Mac Park.

Yondu was the only dinosaur in the crowd.

Hats or wings, the pets got all dolled up for the parade.

Gotta stay hydrated.

Some dogs walked, some dogs were carried.

Honor and their human. Announder Per Erichsen sits at the picnic table behind them.

Pastors offered a Blessing of the Pets and the Bribe Judge stood ready to take donations and hand out a win.

Gypsy the Chow Chow.

Pippin won for best behaved.

Elvis and Miss Priss on a stroll.

Animal Control officer Berkley Hill lead the parade. The Easter bunny showed up early.

The parade wasn’t just for the young pups – many older pups took part in the parade.

Blue, named for his eyes, watched the parade from the comfort of the grass.

That look when your new friend’s head is bigger than your whole body.

Veterinarian Doctor Sherri Hicks reads out the parade winners.

Not just individuas, but whole pet families took a walk in the parade.

Otis found his forever home.

Posted Tuesday March 28, 2023 by Allison DeWeese