PHOTOS: Dogs have their day

Michael Tortorich
Dogs prance in the parade.

BATON ROUGE – The downtown streets of Louisiana's capital were covered with furry friends Sunday afternoon for the 11th annual Krewe of Mutts Mardi Gras Dog Parade.

Themed "2010: A Space Pawdyssey," the event benefits Capital Area Animal Welfare Society.

The parade, which is CAAWS' largest fundraiser, collects about $15,000 for the organization.

Funds are used for a community outreach spay/neuter program, which educates and assists the public in controlling the pet population.

The Bayou Rascals, comprised of Ascension Parish residents, throw necklaces during the Mystic Krewe of Mutts Mardi Gras Dog Parade on North Boulevard in downtown Baton Rouge Sunday afternoon. The annual parade benefits Capital Area Animal Welfare Society.