The 36th Annual North Aurora Pet Parade took place Sunday, Aug. 5 as the final event of North Aurora Days (August 3-5). Weather was hot and muggy, but the 50 or so entrants had a fun time. Twenty-six trophies were awarded to the following families:
• Exceptional ears was awarded to Spike, a Yorkshire Terrier shown by Edward Cervantes.
• Most unique pet-owner costume was won by Amigo, an Australian Cattle Dog mix, and Juliet Horvath. The judges thought they “Easel-y” won because of their unique paint-spattered appearance.
• The best behaved contestant for the day was Lemmy, a Bearded Dragon shared by Tommy Brooks.
• The incredible bulk trophy was given to Charlie, a Bernese Mountain Dog brought by Melissa Delacruz.
• The most bashful pet was Domino, a four-month old Dachshund who hid in his caterpillar costume created by his owner, Kelly Peterson.
• Best storybook costume was awarded to Pebbles, a two-year-old Terrier, and Amanda Gaffino representing the uplifting movie “Up”.
• Most incredible rescue was that of Chihuahuas Cheech, Toby, and Ellie belonging to Diane Opperman and Jordan Luna.
• Best Groomed trophy was given to Lucky, a mixed breed furry eight-year-old with a great coat presented by Evelyn Rodriguez.
• The parade’s most energetic prize was won by Georgi, a one-year-old Terrier mix and Shannon Prieur.
• The most unique pet costume was worn by Bruno, seven, and Layla, 10, a Dachsie mix, and a Chihuahua mix, dressed as lobster and clown fish being watched under the sea by SCUBA divers Carter, three, and Victoria, six, Turnell
• Most beautiful eyes belonged to the two-year old, blue-eyed Husky, Blue, brought by Tiffany Heun.
• The unique pocket pet entry was awarded to Splint, a five-month-old Chihuahua mix carried by Michael Garcia.
• The best water wonder award went Michelangelo, a Red-eared Slider and other turtle buddies enjoying their own portable beach pulled by Janelle Delgado.
• The celebrity look-a-like prize went to Ringo, an 11-month-old Newfie mix and owner Savannah Pec, because of Ringo’s resemblance to former president Barack Obama’s dog Bo.
• Suki, a two-year-old Shiba Inu, was given the Exceptional Tail award for his 450-degree curled tail. He is owned and enjoyed by Miranda Peterson.
• The best supporting act trophy was presented to Charlie and Milo, a Shepherd and a Lab mix proudly shown by Maritza Carlos and Edith Palomo.
Our 10 wild card winners were as follows:
• Our thanks for your Service Award was given to Max, a three-year old German Shepherd, and his owner Cody J. Horvath
• The best musical duet award trophy was awarded to Teddy, a one-year-old Rat Terrier, and eight-year-old Emilio Martinez, who sing together.
• Jovie, a one-year-old Flemish Giant rabbit whose escape attempt failed, and his owner Jillian Brooks were given the Energizer Bunny Award by the judges
• The best kisses and cuddles award was earned by Jessie and Jackie, a Chihuahua and Pug, and their owners Bella and Amanda Daniels.
• The we got kows award was given to Happy, a nine-year-old Cocker Spaniel, and her fellow anonymous kid Kows, herded by Brandon Weidner.
• “Tony Baloney”, AKA Antonio, a 10-year-old Maltese, shared his Best Nickname Award with owner Amanda Ramirez.
• The best rock n’ roller award went to Ziggy, a six-month-old Labrador, and his rescuer, MJ Sparks, apparently a fan of David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust.
• A two-year-old Newfoundland named Belle, belonging to Ben and Tyler Thorud, was recognized with the Beautiful Caped Crusader Award (as Batgirl).
• The superbly coiffed award was given to Leon, a six-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix styled and paraded by Bridget Chavez.
• The Weird Al Yankovic award was given to Alfred, a one-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel proudly paraded by Amber Heinzel.
— Dr. Tom Brooks