Milford’s cuteness quotient soars during Pooch Parade

A crisp but gray fall day was the perfect backdrop of the Milford Pooch Parade, where 27 pups of different sizes and breeds dressed in their finest costumes to compete for prizes.

Led by two dogs dressed as prisoners, the pooches and their owners lined up by the Columns Museum and strolled down Broad Street, took the right at Catherine’s Street, and ended at Ann Street Park, where dog treats and judges awaited their arrival.

The pooches did one final lap around the gazebo before stopping in front of the judges to be introduced. After deliberations, four winners were selected:

● Scariest Costume went to Nemo the reluctant spider, escorted by owner Stephanie Monroe.

● Cutest Costume went to Fiona the bumble bee.

● Best Pair went to King Coco, a three-year-old toy poodle escorted by his knight, Rachelyn.

● Best in Show went to Hannah the Viking Pirate and her whole family of pirates.

The Pooch Parade was hosted by Milford Presents with the help and contributions of prizes and treat bags by Milford Pet Supplies and raised $105 for Jill’s Ferals, a local Trap-Neuter-Release & Adoption organization.

Carol Witschel, volunteer parade organizer, thought the event went great. The Pooch Parade was last hosted in Milford in 2019 and helped inspire Milford Presets to create a full day of fall events.

The event was followed by an after party at Milford Pet Supply where pup-a-chinos and fall doggie photo sessions were available to continue to raise money for Jill’s Ferals (check them out on Facebook).