Dear Editor:
On October 4, more than a hundred pet lovers gathered on the waterfront for the Hoboken Historical Museum’s sixth annual Hoboken Pet Parade, including young Olivia Maryanski and her Yorkie mix Brooklyn, who were both dressed as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and took home a “Best Pet/Owner Look-Alike” trophy.
The girl was discovered at last year’s Pet Parade by the producers of the TV show, “From Underdog to Wonderdog,” which places homeless dogs with caring families and tracks their progress. Brooklyn seems to have found a perfect home – the pair drew enthusiastic applause from the crowd when they stepped into the winners’ circle in matching chestnut wigs in braids, gingham dresses and white blouses. Many of the other trophy winners, eight in all, wore homemade costumes and all showed incredible creativity. Full details will be published in the Museum’s November newsletter, available on the website, www.hobokenmuseum.org.
The Museum launched the free event in 2004 in conjunction with the exhibit, “City Animals,” whose aim was to raise awareness of the important role animals play in Hoboken’s civic life. This year, the Museum produced a “City Animals Pet Owners Map and Guide,” with helpful information on city ordinances, local parks and listings of local pet services, thanks to support from title sponsors Cornerstone Pets, Aussie Pet Mobile, and the Hoboken Dog Association, and supporting sponsors, Animal General Veterinary/River Pet Resort & Rehab, 4 Paws Nanny Service, Hoboken Pet Care, Hounds on the Hudson, and Metro Dogs. The maps were included in goodie bags full of treats and coupons, and additional copies are available at the Museum, which is open six days a week at 1301 Hudson St.
The Museum would like to thank Bill Curran and Claire Lukacs for their work on the City Animals Map and Guide; judges Jeff Laylon, Eric Diaz, Jackie Bellizzi, Peggy Ramos, Cari Friedman, Kim Pamperi, and Adam Cox; and volunteers Dennis English, Claire Lukacs, Becca Nelson, Rebecca Reisner, Eileen Shine and David Webster, and several students from Stevens Institute of Technology’s Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity. We especially appreciate the support of the City’s Office of Public Safety, Parking Utility and Environmental Services for ensuring our smooth operations. The event helped strengthen the bonds among the pet-owner community, and gave passers-by a spectacle to enjoy.
Melissa Abernathy
Hoboken Historical Museum