It’s often been said that people choose pets that match their personality, so much so that some people even look like their animal friend. Maybe they share the same hair (or fur) style, have matching walks or wear complementary clothes. Whatever it is, it’s clear that pets blend into the lives of their owners. No where is this more evident than at the Pooch Parade. This annual event held during the August “Dog Days of Summer” First Wednesday street party has brought out dogs of all shapes and sizes and their owners for the past nine years. The event raises money for the Tri-Valley Guide Dog Puppy Raisers, a group that trains puppies to one day be guide dogs for the blind. Hundreds of dogs turned out for the event, dressed in their best wear, and many matching their beloved owners. Here’s a look at some of the best pairs.
(Above left) Nick Bruce decided to give his bull dog Zoe some feminine flair with this pink tutu and matching ribbon. (Above right) Kayla Stanbery (right), 11, and Delaney Sivo (left), 11, put together a “Wizard of Oz” themed look to match Sami, Stanbery’s 12-week-old schnauzer. Claire O’Leary’s shirt may match her shih tzu Hurley’s white, fluffy fur, but O’Leary sure can’t match Hurley’s tongue.
(Left) Rachael Toschi, 10, brought her “cockapoo” (a mix between a cocker spaniel and a poodle) Sparky to the parade. Toschi and her friends made paper hats to go with a much smaller one they already made for Sparky. (Right) It’s a good thing Buck, a boarder collie mix, is as big of Giants fan as his owner Rikki Albert, 9. The two decided to wear matching jerseys for the Pooch Parade.
Chihuahua Pinto (“Like the bean,” explained his owner Amelia Briones.) and English mastiff Duke have a cultural exchange before the parade begins.
(Above) Victor Wong chose a nautical-themed ensemble for him and his Maltese, Ginger. His wife, Ping (not pictured), also wore a matching outfit. Ginger already had a little sailor outfit, so the Wongs decided to buy their own nautical clothes to match their dog. (Left) Dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds paraded down Main Street at the start of the First Wednesday street party.
