You could call it “The Dog Day of Summer.” It only lasted about five minutes at the max, but the first Wagging in Memphis dog parade down Beale Street and after-party in Handy Park was a success, says event organizer Liz Wright, owner of the Friends of Dog Store, which she describes as “an online dog lifestyle brand.”
Men’s and women’s best friends were dressed in costumes ranging from a pink zinnia-looking flower collar to a full-scale pirate outfit complete with hat. Dogs also showed off their finery as they strolled down an improvised cat (dog) walk in Handy Park.
About 250 people and their dogs attended the event, which also raised money for the rescue group Streetdog Foundation, Wright says.
The temperature was in the 90s, but, Wright says, “Friends of Dog is a true friend to dogs. We designed the parade with safety top of mind, especially in this summer heat. From a short walking route to plenty of grass at Handy Park and a dedicated cooling zone with plenty of water, shade, and cooling mats, the pups were both stylish and safe.”
