By Diana Cavagnaro

Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade

The San Diego Union Tribune Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade was presented by the VCA Market Street Animal Hospital on Dec. 11. This was the ninth year for this festive event that took place in the Hilton Gaslamp Park.

Furry critters came out all decked out in matching costumes with their owners. The live stage was rocking with music by George Farres and the Band. The San Diego Police K-9 Division presented live demonstrations with their trained police dogs. A Pet Expo was set up in the Hilton Gaslamp Park that was free to the public. There were 26 booths set up with everything canine including food, veterinarians, and dog care.

The much-anticipated parade began at 3 p.m., leaving from the Hilton Gaslamp Park. The grand marshal, Ozzie, and Ferra the Chihuahua with handler Corey Dobbs led the procession. There were 400 dogs that began strolling up Fourth Avenue, with the sidewalks lined with spectators cheering them on. The parade continued up to E Street and turned back down Fifth Avenue. They returned under the Gaslamp Archway and finished up on the Martin Luther Promenade.

There was much excitement about the awards for best costumes.

Each first place winner received a certificate for seven days of consecutive complimentary daycare at Doozydog Club ($252 value).

Here is a list of all the first place winners of the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade:

Best Ugly Sweater

• Tracee Lehman with Cooper, a Golden Doodle, #130

Best Wildlife Costume, promoting San Diego Humane Society’s new Project Wildlife Program

• Kristie Needham with Mistie, an 8-year-old Westie, #167

Cutest Critter

• Sara Anaya with Frida, a Chihuahua, #007

Best Pet Costume

• Jan Savage with Sir Ruffles Von Vicious (purple rain), #215

Best Pet Costume (non-canine)

• Tamara Clemente with Gamera the 5 ½-year-old tortoise, #041

Best Holiday Costume Award

• Therese Lamb with Otis the wonder dog, a yellow Lab, #128

Best Costumed Duo

• Jan Savage with Sir Ruffles Von Vicious, a Schnoodle, #214

Best Costumed Group

• The Hoberecht Family with Belle, a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, #92 and Zachery, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, #93

Best Costumed Adopted Pet

• Kim Mills-Brown with Chiweenie, #156

Best in Show

• Jackie Silva with Sammie the Maltese Poodle, #227 and Sweet Pea, a Toy Poodle mix, #228

One of the standouts was Sir Ruffles Von Vicious (handler Jan Savage). Ruffles was dressed as Prince this year and they took both Best Pet Costume and Best Costumed Duo.

Whoville was one of my favorite entries. The costumes were patterned after the fictional characters created by Theodor (Dr. Seuss) Geisel in the books “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “Horton Hears a Who”!

Ozzie the grand marshal had phenomenal costumes from “Star Wars” with two small Chihuahuas. Everyone wanted to have their pictures taken with them. They were the hit of this furry critters event.

If you missed this warm and fuzzy event, watch for it next year on Sunday, Dec. 10. To stay tuned for the Gaslamp events, visit gaslamp.org.

Upcoming events

Jan. 8 | Winter Bridal Bazaar — This annual winter bridal bazaar will be held with fashion shows presented by Gretchen Productions at the San Diego Convention Center. Three shows presented throughout the day. For more info, call 760-334-5500.

—Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned couture milliner based in the Historic Gaslamp Quarter. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher and blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.