#BegginPetParade Helps Open Door Animal Sanctuary

A baseball legend who today pitches the option of pet adoption as the founder of a renowned animal rescue organization, Tony La Russa will step up to the plate as the Grand Marshal of the largest costumed dog parade in the world– the Beggin’ Pet Parade.

Celebrating its 22nd year in 2015, party animals are invited to ‘put on the dog’ and promenade for a paws cause through the streets of Soulard, Missouri, with prizes awarded in a variety of costume categories, including Best Sports Personality, Best Mardi Gras and Best Celebrity look-Alike.

After all of the Spots show off their sense of style, the pups and their human parents can cheer for the Fidos who will race for first place in the Wiener Dog Derby, then all of the attendees can either tag their tails or tap their feet to the beat of tunes performed by the Grammy Award-winning band Blues Traveler.

A day of play with a higher purpose, proceeds from Rovers’ registration will help the ongoing efforts of Open Door Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit marking its 40th anniversary in 2015. Last year Open Door Animal Sanctuary received more than $17,000 thanks to the pups who participated in the 2014 Beggin’ Pet Parade.

In addition, your photos can also help our four-legged friends who need forever homes, as every time you share a picture on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #BegginPetParade from February 2 – 8, Nestle Purina PetCare Company will make a $1 donation to the PetFinder Foundation (up to a maximum of $10,000.)

Registration: $10 (which is donated to Open Door Animal Sanctuary)

When: February 8, 2015

Where: 12th Street and Allen in Soulard, St. Louis, Missouri

For more information:

• visit www.beggin.com/petparade

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Purina, Whitney Curtis