Mystic Mutts of Revelry

By Jere Hough Meteorologist / Feature Reporter

Is Mardi Gras going to the dogs? Yes, fortunately. A canine Carnival parade raises thousands of dollars for a local animal shelter. Mystic Mutts of Revelry

Published: Fri, January 25, 2008 - 5:46 pm

Jere Hough

The Royal Court of the Mystic Mutts of Revelry is gathered to try on the Regal Robes. In a few days they will show them off to their subjects in a Mardi Gras Parade. The dogs may have a little trouble with the throws...but they definitely captured the crowd's attention at last year's parade. Of course, they were accompanied by many of their highly decorated canine constituents. Clearly everybody seems to have a lot fun, but this parade is about more that Letting the Good Times Roll.
Parade organizer Donna Crawley comments, "Last year we raised about $6000 for The Haven."
Most of that money came from the paraders' registration fees; there are about 250 participants.
Which brings us to the question, "How are the King, Queen, and Court of the Mystic Mutts chosen?"
Crawley laughs, "They're for sale! Your dog can be King or Queen. Whoever is willing to give The Haven the most money gets that position."
The Haven in Fairhope is a no-kill Animal Shelter. They need the support. In 2007 they cared for over 800 animals.
Michael Graham is the director of the facility. He mentions, "It becomes very costly to spay and neuter all these animals."
King Jake, a labrador, and Queen Bella Barker, a terrier mix, have issued a Royal Decree: "No more whining, doggone it! Let the tails wag!"
Meteorologist Jere Hough points out, "...all the dogs in the Royal Court have been adopted out of shelters...except one. Prince Jeffereson here (a large white mix) has lived at The Haven since he was seven weeks old, but he assures me, he'd like a real home."