Pups on Parade

 

7/12/25 Pups on Parade, Cromwell Park, Shoreline

The day we unexpectedly ended up sketching at Richmond Beach, Natalie had serendipitously spotted a flier about Pups on Parade. Although neither of us has dogs, we both love them, and it sounded like a fun, dog-centered event at Shoreline’s Cromwell Park.

A benefit for Old Dog Haven, which supports and fosters senior dogs, Pups on Parade has been going on for many years, yet it was off my radar until a few weeks ago. This small, neighborhood-centric event is exactly the kind I like: Not too crowded, low-key, and full of people and their dogs to sketch. Natalie and I were in heaven!

The highlights of Pups on Parade were competitions such as best costumed dogs and dog/human lookalikes, “lick art” made by dogs, and a kissing booth featuring rotating dogs offering kisses. A fund-raising auction supports services to more than 300 senior dogs who have been permanently adopted to foster homes. Some pup parents had fostered more than 10 dogs each. (I was so moved by the organization’s mission and the dog stories I heard that I’ve decided to give Old Dog Haven ongoing support through my pet portraits.)

My only regret is that I was having so much fun sketching that I hardly took any photos of dogs, especially the costumed ones! Shown below are some contestants in the dog/human lookalike contest. Other than matching hair color, I’m not seeing much resemblance in these pairs, but I enjoyed their enthusiasm.

I’ve often said that the Greenwood Car Show is my favorite annual summer event, but doggoneit, Pups on Parade is now a strong contender for that title!

This pair won the lookalike contest. Though I'm not 
seeing much resemblance other than color, I think this elderly
pup simply stole the judges' hearts. 

In the background is Martina, winner of the costume contest, in a pink and purple tutu that matches her human's.