Chiens pour de jour

It was dogs’ day in November this past Sunday when pooches and their owners converged on Veterans Park, in Breaux Bridge, for the first annual Beaucoup des Chiens et Vin fund raiser sponsored by the Breaux Bridge Downtown Merchants Association. Approximately 500 dog lovers and their loyal companions showed up for the event to raise monies for a free neutering/spaying program for low income residents. The program ,which will be run by the parish’s Animal Services department, is due to kick off in early 2014. Among the activities was a police dog demonstration put on by the St. Martin Sheriff’s Department, a talent show, a blessing of the dogs by Father Paul LaFleur, pastor of St. Bernard Church, followed up by the grand finale presentation of the 2013 Krewe du Chiens Cadiens Court, honoring Queen La Reine Fefe and King Le Roi Fido. The owners of these fine canines are Lisa and Mike Callier and Coatney and Johnny Raymond, respectively.s The follow up Mardi Gras parade is scheduled for March 2, 2014. The entry fee is $25 which makes one eligible to win a basket of goods worth over $1,500. Tickets may be purchased from members of the St. Martin Humane Society, the St. Martin Parish Animal Shelter, local veterinarians and DMA officers, Coatney Raymond and Julie Olivier who can be reached at (337) 344-7891 and (337) 789-6811, respectively.