On Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, thousands of well-dressed pets and their owners will express their Love for the Smell of Bacon, this year’s theme, while marching through the streets of Soulard during the 19th annual Beggin’® Pet Parade. Not only is it a lot of fun, but the $10 entry fee supports Open Door Animal Sanctuary!

Attracting more than 8,000 pets and 80,000 people each year, the Beggin’ Pet Parade is one of the largest pet parades in the country. Both four- and two-legged friends can express their Love for the Smell of Bacon in a variety of ways. From bacon-themed games and photo booths to Beggin’ sampling activities for dogs and bacon sampling activities for people by Grillmasters, to the famous coronation ceremony costume contest and a new Guinness World Record™ attempt, there’s something for everyone…and every dog. Registration, check-in and all the events are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the corner of Menard Street and Allen Avenue. The parade starts at 1 p.m.

The Beggin’ Pet Parade represents the spirit of celebration through pets’ memorable, fun-loving personalities and elaborate attention-getting costumes, so it’s only natural to attempt a Guinness World Record™. During the parade, pets and owners will be counted in an attempt to break the World Record for “Most Dogs in Costumed Attire.” The coronation ceremony will begin immediately after the parade concludes at Coronation Plaza, located at Soulard Market Park.

Check out the Beggin’ Pet Parade website for details and to register!

For seven nights, Big Cat Week will showcase visually stunning and powerfully resonant stories of nature’s fiercest felines and the people working to save these majestic cats. Big Cat Week will showcase visually stunning and powerfully resonant stories of nature’s fiercest felines and the people working to save these majestic cats.

Here is a sneak peek from the show Return of the Clouded Leopards. Two very rare six-week-old clouded leopard cubs are rescued from poachers, but will they learn how to be wild so they can live on their own?

The highlight of Big Cat Week is the showing of Joubert’s film, The Last Lions, which premieres Friday 12/16 at 8P et/pt. A gorgeous film about a lioness and her struggle to keep her family alive, and the length’s she will go to do so. Tune in to Big Cat Week and visit CauseAnUproar.org to learn more.

Photos from Beverly Joubert (from The Last Lions)

Joey Chestnut, world championship competitive hot dog eater, judges Chloe, a 4-year-old Beagle mix, in Brooklyn’s “Hottest Dog” contest to celebrate the opening of Banfield Pet Hospital, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, in the Brooklyn borough of New York.  As the world’s largest veterinary practice, Banfield Pet Hospital offers comprehensive medical services including surgery, preventive care, routine examinations and nutrition counseling.  (Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Banfield Pet Hospital)

Joey Chestnut, world championship competitive hot dog eater, holds Brooklyn’s “Hottest Dog” contestant Chloe  while chowing down on a hot dog. (Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Banfield Pet Hospital)

What about your dog? Could they be the hottest dog for your city? It sounds like this was a very fun event for both people and dogs alike!