Pets don their patriotic best for Center City's annual pet parade

Center City held its fourth annual Patriotic Pet Parade Saturday, with over 40 of the cutest canines in Amarillo showing off their patriotic colors.

Radio host David Lovejoy was on hand to be the master of ceremonies, with Ruckus of the Amarillo Sod Poodles serving as grand marshal of the parade.

Beth Duke, the executive director of Center City, said that the popularity and outright fun time at the event make it a keeper.

“The Patriotic Pet Parade was so much fun. The animals and their owners show such creativity. The judges have a tough job,” Duke said. “Center City wants to continue to make the Pet Parade an annual tradition.”

Owner of the best-in-show winner Claudia Luna said it was so fun to participate with her dog Lentil, who was dressed in a tracksuit of the USA Olympic team with a gold chain color.

"He did so well, and I got to show off his singing voice to the crowd," she said. " It was so much fun to be a part of this, and Lentil got to interact with the other dogs in costume. It was good to see all the people come out to support this event. There were so many cute dogs, and for my little underdog to come up on top today was so awesome."

Winners in Saturday's parade included:

Best of Show – Lentil, owned by Claudia Luna

Best Costume – “Hot Dog” Hank, owned by Joely Breshears

Best Pet / Owner Look-Alike – Sadie, owned by Jodee Widener

Best Smile – Ripley, owned by Jessica and Gene McAndrew

Most Talented Dog – Canela, owned by Johanna Perez

Waggiest Tail – Sadie, owned by Brant and Jo Low.