HAUTE DOG EASTER PARADE (ON HIATUS) Just about every breed from greyhound to poodle to fox terrier, and even a potbellied pig, has participated in the Haute Dog Easter Parades which are held annually on Easter Sunday to raise money for local charities

Some 350-400 pooches, most colorfully costumed in Easter attire, pack Livingston Park each Easter before beginning their parade down Second Street from Argonne Avenue to Nieto Avenue and back to the park to complete the 12-block event.

HAUTE DOGS ON THE BEACH For the first time in more than 30 years, dogs were permitted to play on a city beach on Sunday, June 24, 2001, despite complaints from nearby residents that the pooches would leave a mess behind when the day was done. In order to both comply and defy existing ordinances banning unleashed dogs, the city allowed some K-9 freedom on the beach in what was called an "event" to qualify for the one-time status.

After several site changes and a last-minute petition seeking to stop the event, "Haute Dogs on the Beach" turned out to be a big success for the roughly 400 beach-loving dogs and their owners who made the trip downtown. Protests from downtown residents at that first Haute Dogs On the Beach forced city officials to relocate the event to a stretch of sand between Argonne and St. Joseph Avenues for the second beach event. More than 500 frolicking, tongue-wagging, four-legged critters eagerly took to the beach in Belmont Shore in July. The very-popular, monthly beach outings continued successfully through the summer of 2003.

THE DOG BEACH ZONE
A 15-month pilot program for daily beach off-leash access began in August 2003 and ended Oct. 31, 2004, when the Long Beach City Council unanimously approved the permanent Dog Zone. The Dog Zone is located in Belmont Shore, between Argonne and Roycroft avenues and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

K-9 VIGIL & FUNDRAISER
On Sunday, Sept. 23, 2001, dog lovers gathered on the beach to honor the search-and-rescue teams nationwide who have worked tirelessly in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The group of more than 100 people paused for a moment of silence on the beach at Argonne Avenue and Ocean Boulevard in memory of those killed in the attacks and to show their support for the men, women and K-9 partners who scoured the rubble hour after hour in search of victims.

The attendees poured out their hearts and wallets to raise money for the training of a search-and-rescue dog for the Long Beach Police Department.

With the infusion of several hundred dollars raised at the vigil and fund-raiser honoring New York and Washington's search-and-rescue teams, Long Beach police hope to soon add a "rubble dog" to its team.

HOWL'OWEEN PARADE
Hundreds of devilish dogs, kooky canines and haunted hounds take over Belmont Shore on a Sunday around Halloween each year for an adorable pooch parade and animal charity fund-raiser.

The costumed canines will drag their owners to Livingston Park for the event, organized to give dogs some Halloween fun and raise money for local non-profits. Some beneficiaries have included spcaLA P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, Seal Beach Animal Care Center, Friends of Long Beach Animal Shelter and Recreation Dog Park.

Present among the sea of pups packed into the tiny park are dogs dressed as nurses, ballerinas, vampires, clowns, superheroes, rescue dogs, soldiers, etc. In addition to costume judging before the parade began, dogs enjoy"bobbing for Howl'o-weenies" -- a takeoff on the traditional bobbing for apples.

AN INTERFAITH EVENT
Blessing of the Animals
< Peruse pics of pups, opposoms and parrots

As seen on TV. Some 200 canines, an opossum, a rat, some cats and a few other pets are expected to attend the third annual Interfaith Blessing of the Animals in Long Beach THIS FALL at Heartwell Park. CLICK HERE for details and pics.