Dogs Flaunt American Pride in 'Petriotic Parade'

The dogs of Morris Plains are getting a head start on the Fourth of July festivities this year on Saturday, when they will flaunt their best red, white and blue outfits.

Residents are invited to bring their dogs dressed in patriotic costumes for the borough's inaugural "Petriotic Pet Parade." The event will raise money for the Denville Animal Shelter, which provides the borough's animal control services.

The parade, which will take place at the Morris Plains Farmers Market on Speedwell Avenue, will begin at 10 a.m. There will also be other pet-related festivities going on the whole day at the farmers market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Organizers are asking residents to bring either a dog and cat food donation, kitty litter or a $10 donation to participate in the parade.

Five judges will award ribbons to the top six pooches in the most patriotic costumes. The judges are Norma Jacobs, the animal control officer in Randolph, Morristown Councilwoman Alison Deeb and president of the Mardog association, Denville Police Chief Christopher Wagner, Agway representative Tammy Isabel, and college student and Denville Animal Shelter volunteer Evan Nichols.

Event organizer Diana Rochford said she is expecting a wide variety of Fourth of July spirited costumes on Saturday.

"I'm sure there's going to be all sorts of costumes, whatever people can dream up," she said. "I'm looking forward to it."

Starting at 9 a.m., there will be a pet boutique open that will have doggy bandanas, gourmet dog cookies, catnip plants, catnip toys, car magnets for animal rescue and books on animal friendly topics for sale.

"We're doing definitely a 'petriotic' scene," Rochford said.

Rochford, of Morris Plains, grew the catnip plants in her own backyard. She even sewed the doggy bandanas herself, a project she has been working on since April.

While Rochford doesn't have a specific goal of money she wants to raise, she said she would be thrilled to reach $1,000.

There will be food and drinks for residents to enjoy, and dog and cat music playing. There will even be two clowns in attendance.

Adoptions for cats, kittens and dogs will be available. Anybody who adopts and animal on Saturday will receive a 10 precent discount at Agway.

"It would be great if we could find some foster homes, people who would be willing to foster kittens to socialize them," Rochford said. "That's always needed."