This is one of those articles in which the words aren’t nearly as important as the photographs and the photographs demand a massive amount of time, so I won’t clutter this post with words. I walked away from the 2015 Mardi Growl with over 165 photographs and each and every pooch was blog-worthy. But alas, that’s too many photographs for one blog to publish, so I reduced them to about 60. Often the choices turned on simply which direction the puppy turned. Out of my control.
The event, it should be noted is a fund-raiser for Young-Williams Animal Center. This is the eighth annual event and it drew, by police estimates, around 500 puppies and full-blown canines. The range of breeds is fun to note – from the very smallest to bear-look-alikes. Sometimes the attraction is the owner/dog combination, sometimes it’s the regalia adorning the pooch and sometimes it’s the personality of the animal involved.
So, here’s to the creative owners, the personable dogs and to the whole “les bons temps rouler” ethos. Mostly, it’s just a welcome opportunity to burst out of the winter doldrums and have a little urban fun. As a Mobile ex-patriot, I appreciate the importation of the spirit of my younger years with Mardi Gras invading the city for a few hours. Oh, and there was Dixie-land jazz, canine-themed booths and all the puppy swag you could hope for. If you missed it this year, join us next year for the fun.
I’ve posted around thirty photographs here. You’ll find these, as well as another thirty or so on the Inside of Knoxville Facebook page which, if you haven’t already, you should “like” and then check out the other photographs. You’ll find the FB page here and the additional photographs here. Happy viewing.
