Pink,
green, gold, purple, or blue—no matter the color, the signature turds sparkle
like Swarovski. We're talking about the photo banner on the Krewe of Mardi Paws website, where
they have posted a pun-filled announcement about a new project this year: Dog
House Floats. As for the glitter poops? Those are the krewe's signature
throw—and yes, this year, you're invited to make your own in the spirit of
friendly competition. But first, the floats.
Inspired
by the Krewe of
House Floats, Krewe of Mardi Paws is doing what they do
best: bringing Carnival panache to the pets. The rules outlined online are open
to individual interpretation: "To ensure that nobody feels like an underdog,
the rules are very flexible. Decorate an existing dog house, build a new one,
add a dog theme to a house float display, or even make a dog house-shaped
mailbox. There's no cost to enter, and top contenders can fetch prizes in
either the 'residential' or 'business' category." The prizes will be uploaded on
the site on January 23. Until then, we hear that the prizes for winners will be
"paw-some."
The
possibilities are endless, and we're hoping someone takes them up on their
challenge to "GO BIG and decorate your house or business as a Dog House!"
Please let a formal place of business (maybe an office of law?) accept that dog
house challenge. It is for a good cause, after all. According to the website,
the goal of the Dog House Floats is to "spread good cheer while drawing
attention to the plight of the homeless pups at the St. Tammany Parish
Department of Animal Services."
If
you'd like to check out a lookbook before getting started, see a picture of the
first dog house float—which appears to be a Chihuahua-sized Creole townhouse—on
the krewe's website. Check out their Instagram
for more inspiration (and festive pups).
Beyond
the challenge of Dog House Floats, the Krewe of Mardi Paws has dreamt up more
free and socially distanced events for this month of Mutty Gras. Among them is
a costume contest for your pup, in which anything goes, as long as it's
Louisiana-themed. The Saints, LSU, the Ragin' Cajuns—find a way to package
Louisiana into a dog costume, and you're in the running.
Which,
finally, brings us to the glitter poops. Krewe of Mardi Paws began using these
as a signature throw, in part, as a response to Muse's collectible heels and
other glittery catches. With parades on hold, the krewe is turning the tables
and holding a Poop-Throw Decorating Contest. Whereas before you might have been
left to fight your friends for the best poop ornament, now you can design a
winner. Everyone is encouraged to pick up some foam "poops" (buy a bag of two
dozen here) and adorn the fake feces to
your heart's content.
Entering
all the competitions is easy and free. Competitors should submit their photos
by email to DeniseG1@bellsouth.net.
There's no limit to the number of entries, but note that by sending images, you
are granting the krewe permission to use your pictures in future advertising.
