VIDEO from Medialink and Purina: Thousands of Partying Pets Hit the Streets for the 17th Annual Beggin'(R) Pet Parade and 'Tail'gating Party

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Before the biggest game in football kicked off, one of the biggest pet parades in the world took the streets of St. Louis' French Quarter on Sunday, Feb. 7. Thousands of four-legged party animals of all shapes and sizes flaunted with pride their Mardi Gras colors -- purple, green and gold -- and paraded though the streets of Soulard for the 17th annual Beggin' Pet Parade and "Tail"gating Party.

See video from Purina at: http://inr.mediaseed.tv/Purina_37291

As one of the world's premiere pet events, the Beggin' Pet Parade attracted more than 8,000 pets and 80,000 people looking for a tail-wagging good time. Party patrons joined in on all of the fun with a photo booth as well as other spectacular games at the "Tail"gating Party.

Best of all, the 2010 Beggin' Pet Parade and "Tail"gating Party helped to raise funds for the homeless pets at the Open Door Animal Sanctuary, a local sanctuary featuring dogs and cats of all ages and breeds, waiting to find their forever homes. More than $13,000 was raised to benefit this St. Louis animal sanctuary.

One of the highlights of the Beggin' Pet Parade was the coronation ceremony to select the 2010 Beggin' Court. Five lucky costumed canines were chosen to be the King, Queen, Prince, Princess and Jester. And back by popular demand, the best group costume title of "Most Loyal Subjects" was awarded to the pack of pets whose collaborative costume efforts were heads and tails above the rest. The Beggin' Court represented the spirit of the celebration through the memorable, fun-loving personalities and elaborate attention-getting costumes. All five of the canine court members took home royal titles, along with prizes including a year's supply of Beggin® Strips.

For more information please visit www.begginpetparade.com.

About Nestle Purina Pet Care

Nestle Purina PetCare 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.

Medialink is a division of The NewsMarket.  Registered journalists can access video, audio, text, graphics and photos at http://www.thenewsmarket.com.

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SOURCE Medialink; Purina