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Good Morning East Tennessee!

Do you love your dog? Guess what? Word is spreading throughout the U.S. that Knoxville is one of the most pet friendly cities in the country.

This Saturday night, March 5th, will be the 4th annual Mardi Growl Parade. It isn't just a parade, it's a festival, too.

As you may have gathered it is based on "the Mardi Gras theme" made popular by New Orleans LA and Mobile AL. Naturally it has its own twist and is centered on the charm and comfort of our very best friends –- our dogs.

One of the dogs featured this year will be "Little Brown Dog." If you haven't heard the story - the dog was severely abused and dragged behind a pickup truck before the Knoxville Police Department brought it to UT Medical Center. Ultimately, the medical center saved the dog's life. When the story got out the world fell in love with her. Today she's fully recovered and will be the parade's Grand Marshal.

Registration for the parade is $10.00 or $15.00 the day of the event. All proceeds benefit the Young-Williams Animal Center. To register please visit the following link http://www.knoxpets.org.

The parade will assemble at 11:00AM at Downtown Dog and the parade begins at noon to make its way to Market Square where the festival will begin at 2PM.

Most dogs will be dressed in costumes with prizes awarded for the best. That doesn't mean you have to dress your dog up. There will be a "naked-dog award" also. There will also be prizes for "pet/owner lookalike," the "most volunteer spirit," and "canine congeniality." Along with the parade and the festival will be: pet-related vendors, animal rescue groups, live music, food, and much more.

If you love you dog (and so many of us in East TN do), you're not going to want to miss this unique and extra special event.


Have a great day!

Published March 2, 2011