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J

ust over 40 dogs (with their humans) participated in this year’s Pet Parade.

Every year, the Pamlico Animal Welfare Society, PAWS, hosts a pet parade. Entrants are encouraged to dress up. Humans are encouraged to bribe the judges.

One happy dog. (Joe Clark photo)

They gather at Lou Mac Park around 10a, then stroll in the parade at 11a.

Bogey takes in the crowd from his perch on a golf cart. (Joe Clark photo)

Proceeds benefit PAWS in their mission of “helping the helpless” animals of Pamlico County.

Bella won Best in Show, dressed as the Pineapple Queen.

2026 PAWS Pet Parade Winners

• Judge Bribe: Josie as French Fries, with human Carol Small
• Best in Show: Bella as the Hawaiian Pineapple Queen
• Girliest Girl: April
• Longest Beard: Paisley, with human Rolayne Schwendy
• Best Birds: Maggie (as a flamingo) and Rosie (as a toucan)
• Best Bi-color Tail: Dustie
• Best Hall of Fame: Willie as baseball player “Willie of the Mets”
• Best Bumblebee: Cash
• Best Luau / Hula: Kira
• Best Hugs: Abby
• Best Bling Necklace: Rocco
• Luckiest Rescue Dog: Patches
• Most Vocal: Charlie
• Shiniest Dragon: Bogey
• Spring Awakening: Frankie

Small dog going incognito as a hotdog. (Joe Clark photo)

Participants seem to have a lot of opinions about the parade.

The Pamlico County Band played near by.

A bloodhound takes in the sun. (Joe Clark photo)

Josie, dressed as French Fries, won the Bribe the Judge Award, thanks to her human Carol Small. (Joe Clark photo)

The weather was cool enough, some dogs opted for sweaters.

(Joe Clark photos)

A Boston Terrier, supporting the home team.

Some dressed up for the occasion.

A Bumblebee and LadyBug. (Joe Clark photos)

Harris, mid-parade. (Joe Clark photos)

Paisley won for ‘Best Beard’.

Pepi & Laurie Stahlmann with dogs Riley and Carly.

Posted Friday April 3, 2026 by Allison DeWeese