At Saturday’s Benedum Festival Pet Parade, the pets kept coming and coming. Upon completion of registration, there were 83 pets taking part in the parade through Bridgeport City Park and the contests to follow.

 

“Seeing all the pets come out and interact in harmony was a delight to watch,” said Juli Saab-Jones, organizer. “A lot of spectators came just to watch all of the different variety of dogs participate.”

 

After the parade, contests in various categories were held and at the conclusion of competition, ribbons were distributed to winners.

 

The cutest pet award went to "Leo,” a five-month-old lop-eared bunny owned by Kassy Slack, who listed his favorite hobby – as playing outside.

 

Winning most obedient was "Maggie," a two and a half-year--old golden retriever owned by Dave and Joanie Oliverio. Maggie’s favorite hobby, her owners said, is chewing bones.

 

The coveted smartest award went to “Dudley" a 21-month old bulldog mix owned by Vernon Louk.

 

Named most unique was "Bo Jangles" a one and a half-year-old bloodhound owned by Sherri Matheny. She said her dog’s favorite hobbies are boating and swimming.  

 

Best kisser award went to “Captain,” a two-year-old mixed breed owned by Kyle and Emily Butler. They said that sleeping is Captain’s favorite thing to do.

 

The best costume prize was awarded to “Moge,” a three-year-old teacup Yorkshire terrier owned by Debbie Vangieson. Moge’s favorite hobby is playing.

 

“Gracie” did the coolest trick. She is a seven-year-old beagle mix owned by Kristen Devono. Gracie loves playing tug-o-war, her owner said.

 

Winning the owner/pet lookalike contest was Brandie Starr and her two-year-old terrier mix.

 

Although there were also prizes offered for best singer and ugliest pet, no owners entered their pets in those categories.

 

Saab-Jones said the pet parade was a huge success and pays kudos to her daughter Imoni Saaab for her valuable assistance. With it being Saab-Jones’ first attempt at chairing the very popular pet contest, she said she did make some mental notes regarding proposed changes for next year’s festival.

 

“One, primarily, is more shade and donated coolers of water bottles on ice for pets and owners,” said Saab-Jones, an idea inspired by the extremely hot temperatures which met participants Saturday morning.

 

But even rising mercury didn’t give Saab-Jones reason to complain. After all, last year’s event was rained out.

 

She said she also hopes to add more pet specific vendors next year and hold prize drawings to raise funds for local non-profit rescue groups, a cause for which she has a particular passion. This year, Pet Helpers was on hand and the adoption of an older female beagle was Saab-Jones’ very favorite part of the day.

 

“It was the only adoption of the day,” she said. “It was an older female beagle that has been with the organization for quite a while. God placed her in the right place at the right time.”

 

The couple who adopted her said it was love at first site, Saab-Jones said.

 

“It's what it's all about – to see that one dog find her forever family and live out the rest of her days in a ‘home’ with a family to call her own - made it all worth it.”

 

Saab-Jones said she is super excited to take on the task again next year.

 

“Let the planning begin,” she said. 

 

Editor's Note: Photo by Tyler Maxwell of Ben Queen Photography. To see his entire photo gallery from Saturday's Benedum Festival Pet Parade, click HERE.