(EDITOR’S NOTE: Today’s guest blogger, Mr. Kippers, is no average English bull terrier. He has his own line of bow ties, his own blog and his own Facebook business page. He’s also been named the first-ever animal to serve as grand marshal of a local Mardi Gras parade. We thought that it’d be fun to ask Mr. Kippers to share his thoughts on serving as grand marshal of the 2014 Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade, which rolls on Sunday, Feb. 23. Special thanks to Amanda Clingan for “translating” woofs and barks into English for this blog post.)
Hot off the press!
“English bull terrier, ‘Mr. Kippers,’ will serve as the 2014 Krewe of Barkus and Meoux’s grand marshal! He is the first four-legged animal in the history of Barkus and Meoux to receive this honor.”
Actually, that phrase has been heralded throughout the Shreveport-Bossier area for several months now, and if you think it isn’t music to this old bully’s ears, then you would be perfectly wrong.
It started almost a year ago, when Mom put one of Dad’s bow ties around my neck to cover the scars of abuse, which I received in my former life. She hoped that it would help my self-esteem because, at the time, I didn’t have any.
Since then, we have formed a company, Classic Kippers, and applied for trademarks and copyrights. We’ve bought fabric, designed ties, designed tees and seen it all come to fruition! All of this just so I could realize my dream to “pay forward” my good fortune by giving the profits to bona fide animal rescues.
When I didn’t think things could get any better, Queen Ginger, of the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux, writes and asks me if I would do them the honor of being their 2014 Grand Marshal. Do them the honor?! Are they serious?! I am so honored that my paws are all sweaty and I’m already in a quandary over which tie I should wear.
But, I do want to say that I accepted this honor in the name of all rescues who started out in terribly unfortunate circumstances, as did I. Everyone knows that bull terriers have comical expressions on their faces, which make people laugh and it sure helps when I get into mischief, but please, when you look into my face, know that you are looking into the faces of all rescues!
I hear that I will be riding in a chauffeur-driven golf cart at the parade. Pretty spiffy! That will, of course, put me up higher so that I can say “hello” to all of my friends and fans. Unfortunately, I am rather challenged in the height department.
The biggest surprise was that they had Mardi Gras throws made with my image on them. On the back they read: “Mr Kippers, 2014 Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Grand Marshal”!
Is that absolutely fabulous or what? For those familiar with Mardi Gras parades, you know that the phrase synonymous with them is “Hey Mister, throw me something!” Well, get ready, because at 3 p.m. on February 23 at Riverview Park, the crowd will be shouting, “Hey Mr. Kippers, throw me something!”
The 2014 Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Pet Parade will march at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23 in downtown Shreveport’s RiverView Park. Activities begin at 1:30 p.m. For more parade information, visit the krewe’s website.
Classic Kippers t-shirts and ties may be purchased at John Pickens Custom Clothiers, 6022 Line Avenue in Shreveport. The incredible true story of Mr. Kippers’ abuse, rescue and the launch of his clothing line can be read here.
