Dogs and Owners Celebrate Their Love for the Smell of Bacon at the 19th Annual Beggin'® Pet Parade

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Love was in the air this weekend in St. Louis…and it smelled like bacon! On Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, thousands of well-dressed dogs and their owners expressed their Love for the Smell of Bacon, this year's theme, while marching through the streets of Soulard during the 19^th annual Beggin'® Pet Parade.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54609-purina-19th-annual-beggin-pet-parade-bacon-dog-owners

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120213/MM51800)

The Beggin'® Pet Parade represents the spirit of celebration through pets' memorable, fun-loving personalities and elaborate attention-getting costumes, so it was only natural to attempt a Guinness World Record™. During the parade, participating pets and owners were counted in an attempt to break the world record for "Most Dogs in Costumed Attire." Official results are pending, but data recorded to be submitted to the Guinness World Record™ organization shows more than 1,300 costumed dogs were counted, which would break the record of 603 dogs set in Japan during 2011.

The Beggin'® Pet Parade is one of the largest pet parades in the country; it attracts more than 8,000 dogs and more than 80,000 people. Both four- and two-legged friends expressed their Love for the Smell of Bacon in a variety of ways. From bacon-themed games, photo booths and Beggin'® sampling activities for dogs and bacon sampling activities for people by Grillmasters, to the famous coronation ceremony costume contest and Guinness World Record™ attempt, there was something for everyone…and every dog.

The coronation ceremony began immediately after the parade. Prizes for the best costumes were awarded to the parade's King, a Great Dane named Gabe; and Queen, a Dachshund mix named Suzi Q. The best group costume was awarded the title of Most Royal Subjects, and went to terriers named Magiz, Roziz and a Cocker Spaniel named Ziziz.

The 19^th annual Beggin'® Pet Parade raised funds for Open Door Animal Sanctuary, an animal rescue and adoption organization in St. Louis funded entirely from donations. The required registration fee of $10 per pet directly benefits Open Door Animal Sanctuary.

Those registered were eligible to participate in the coronation ceremony competition and received a free Beggin'® Party Bag. The bag included hound handouts, such as a bag of Beggin'® brand dog snacks, a certificate of participation, and Mardi Gras beads.

"The Beggin'® Pet Parade is one of the most unique, family-friendly Mardi Gras events in St. Louis each year," said Tim Lorson, executive director of Mardi Gras, Inc. "Thousands dressed their four-legged friends in their best gear, helped us support a good cause, and celebrated their love of Beggin'® and bacon."

For more information about the parade including photos and highlights, please visit www.begginpetparade.com and www.facebook.com/beggin.

About Nestle Purina PetCare Company
Nestle Purina PetCare Company promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets.  A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestle S.A., the world's largest food company.

SOURCE Nestle Purina PetCare Company