There was a dog in a tutu, one dressed as a waiter, and a Caribbean canine, too.
Pets were on parade Friday at Smith Village, a retirement community on Chicago’s Southwest Side.
Smith Village, 2320 W. 113th Place, invited neighborhood pets and their owners to take part in the annual Dog Days of Summer Pet Parade. It has been taking place since 2007, except for a hiatus in 2009, according to spokeswoman Peg Rafferty.
Kelly Blaha, 31, of Chicago, paraded her two dogs, Mitsy, a 7-year-old Labrador, wearing a tutu; and Sadie, a 4-month-old mix, wearing a Caribbean shirt.
Sadie’s story is unique, Blaha said.
“I rescued her from Anguilla,” she said of the Caribbean island. “That’s why she’s wearing such a festive shirt.”
Blaha’s dogs were among about two dozen dressed to impress, including 6-year-old shih tzu Dexter, dressed as a waiter, who was with his owner, Terry O’Brien, of the West Beverly neighborhood.
“It is really a lot of fun getting the dogs out here and dressed up for the residents,” he said.
Pets were encouraged to perform tricks, model costumes or simply walk around for a panel of judges and enthusiastic pet lovers. Several Smith Village residents entered their pets, as did relatives, neighbors, staff and volunteers.
“In the past we’ve had hot dog costumes, super heroes, one puppy dressed in pink for breast cancer awareness, and many in their favorite Chicago sports team uniforms,” Rafferty said. “I wasn’t surprised to see a number of Chicago Blackhawks outfits this year.”
The pet parade has gained popularity with children and adults from the surrounding neighborhoods. In addition to dogs, cats, snakes, birds and guinea pigs, a goat once participated.
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A 16-year-old California king snake was in attendance this year with owner Tom Zarzycki, a social worker at Smith Village. The black and white snake doesn’t get many opportunities to get out of the house, he said.
“She was the only pet I was allowed to get that my wife wasn’t allergic to,” he said.
The variety of pets matches the variety of ages of those taking part.
“The mix of generations makes this parade stand out from others,” Rafferty said. “Many of the children accompany their grandparents walking the pets in the parade. It’s a wonderful intergenerational event.”
The pets received doggy bags for participating, and dog biscuits and water bowls were provided throughout the parade. Their owners also were able to enjoy refreshments and pet-themed treats and cookies.
Kelly White is a freelance reporter.