Mardi Gras Parades For Dogs
For an authentic Mardi Gras parade route and lots of dog-gone fun, you simply can’t miss the Krewe of Barkus Parade, held every year in the French Quarter of New Orleans.  Barkus is unique in that it is the only parade in New Orleans whose krewe is made up entirely of dogs!  Its parade is open to the public and although they love all animals, dogs are the main focus.

Each year Barkus creates an adorable parade theme, complete with amazing artwork to showcase their clever theme. This past year (2008), their theme was, “Indiana Bones and the Raiders of the Lost Bark.”  How cute is that?  They offer posters and tee shirts that depict their yearly theme that you can purchase.  Many of their posters are true collectibles, due to the gorgeous original artwork.  Also, one of the main reasons that Barkus, a non-profit organization, holds their parades and balls is to call attention to the homeless animals in the local shelters and rescues that need adopting. In fact, the proceeds of the parade and all the related events goes to support a large number of local shelters and rescues. The Barkus motto is as follows, “"Humane Treatment for All of God's Creatures." You can feel great that you and your pup are not only having lots of fun with all the parade festivities, but you are also supporting a wonderful cause as well.

If you decide that you and your dog must participate in this memorable event, you can pay a fee and “march” in the parade with your dog!  Or, you can simply be a spectator, which is also a ton of fun and giggles.  When we went to the parade one year, we had a wonderful time seeing all the clever floats, funny dog costumes and the  “Royal Court” which consists of a king and queen (both being dogs, of course).  I can’t wait to go back and when I do, you can be sure that our own dogs will be looking quite festive in their Mardi Gras Party Vest & Hat Set Costume and their Mardi Gras Jester Dress & Hat Set Party Costume.  One thing is for sure; New Orleans sure knows how to party with your pooch!
Mardi Gras Dog Costumes & Accessories
You simply cannot have a Mardi Gras themed party or attend a parade without your dog being dressed in fun, festive attire, sporting the famous colors of purple, green and gold.  Here at Upscale Pup, we have many options to choose from when you want to let the good times roll!  For a wonderfully festive, yet simple acceorry that will always fetch tons of compliments (we know from personal experience), choose the Mardi Gras Pooch Party Collar.  This clever little collar gives your pup an easy, instantly fabulous party look. The cute collar features purple, green and gold (the official colors of Mardi Gras) made of chiffon with even more fabulous purple, green and gold foil stars.  For a more sophisticated, fancy look, choose our Mardi Gras Hand Knitted Dog Sweater, which features a Gold Lame Mask adorned with stitched feather pattern in vibrant jewel tones.  Celebrate carnival time in this special sweater.  Attending a Mardi Gras parade or party and want your pup to be photographed and adored?  Choose one of our festive Jester Costumes, perfect for both boys and girls.  Our Mardi Gras Jester Dress & Hat Set and our Mardi Gras Party Vest & Hat are so cleverly cute (not to mention affordably priced) that your doggie will be barking, “Throw me somethin' Mister!"
Mardi Gras Dog Party
For your dog’s next birthday party, why not throw a Mardi Gras theme party?  It is not only a cute idea, but most people will love the food, music, invitations, costumes, decorations and entertainment possibilities that only Mardi Gras can offer. Start with adorable Mardi Gras dog theme invitations. Creative invitations are so much fun to make and receive!  Take pictures of your dog in their Mardi Gras Costume and affix the pics to your invitations.  You will wow your partygoers with the adorable invites.  Who could resist such cuteness?

You will also need to purchase a Mardi Gras Music CD, to play all the classic parade and party music from the heart of Dixieland. Music will get everyone at your party in the Mardi Gras spirit.  Be sure to purchase lots of cute decorations, such as Mardi Gras theme beads, doubloons, napkins, cups, tablecloths, and tabletop arrangements.  Your attendees will love all the festive fun!
Don’t forget the food and beverages.  Serve New Orleans style Cajun food, such as Red Beans & Rice, Shrimp Etouffee, French Bread, Beignets, and for extra fun- order a King Cake!  Don’t forget your doggie partiers.  We like to make Mardi Gras dog cookies.  We just a simple, healthy recipe for dog-friendly cookies and use crown and jester hat shaped cookie cutters. Here is the cookie recipe that our dogs love:
Mardi Gras Boogie Peanut Butter Dog Cookie Recipe

• 1 1/3 cups cornmeal

• 4 1/2 cups flour

• 8 Tablespoons peanut butter
 (we use organic, only peanuts as the ingredients)
• 1 1/2 cups organic applesauce
• 2 eggs

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 eggs

• 1 egg for basting

Mix all of your dry ingredients together and then slowly add organic peanut butter, eggs, milk, and organic (no sugar added) applesauce. Mix together well by hand until you dough becomes firm. Next, let the dough stand for approx. 30 minutes.  While waiting, love on your doggie and then preheat your oven to 350 degrees. 

Roll out your firm dough on a flat, floured surface to an approx. 1/4" thickness.  Use your fun Mardi Gras Cookie Cutters to cut your dough into shapes and then baste with egg. 

Bake your yummy cookies from 20-35 minutes at 350 degrees (altitudes vary, so please monitor at around 15 minutes).  Finally, cool your cookies on wire racks.  Be sure to give a treat or two to your tail-wagging “helpers” who are patiently waiting for the cookies to be ready!  Makes approximately three-four dozen biscuits, depending on the sizes and shapes that you cut them into.

Most importantly, have fun!  Mardi Gras is all about celebrating and enjoying family, friends, and of course, your precious pups!