2009 Royal Hairs
See more photos of the court and their patrons!
Celebrity Grand Marshal
 
Kriss Fairbairn of WDSU Channel 6 and her 6 year-old Maltese, Rocket, return as our 2009 Celebrity Grand Marshals. In fact, they have been given a permanent crown for their enthusiastic support of the parade and non-profit! Kriss and Rocket will be escorted by Kriss' husband and son, Johnny and Nicholas Fortunato. You know Rocket's dad Col. John Fortunato as the spokesman and familiar face of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. Rocket's favorite things in the world are: his toy duck, teddy bear, and squirrel. He loves long walks in the neighborhood, joining the family for a swim in the pool on his favorite raft, and showing off his tricks for yummy snacks! And, don't let his cute little button nose fool you - he's a fluffy white ball of pure guard dog!
Celebrity Mascot
 GUMBO, the loveable "Saint" Bernard, has been a fixture of the Saints since the inaugural 1967 season. He went into a mascot hiatus for a few years to learn to walk on two legs and to train for the Saints Football Team - however, when given the ball he stumbled over his own feet too many times. As the players laughed at his flips and tumbles he realized his true calling and returned to the sidelines as the adorable, huggable, and energetic Saints Mascot we all have come to know and love! GUMBO has managed to stay relatively humble, but he now demands that his favorite food be served at a perfect 88 degrees in his dog house at the Superdome for every game. Children of all ages beware - He will lick your face!
King
 His Royal Highness Bear Sampson is a 6 yr old Pomeranian who was given as an Easter surprise to his loving mother from her husband. Since that day Bear took up a passion for traveling, and has been across the United States by plane and car. His favorite hot spot is New York City - where he resides at the Plaza Hotel and loves parading through the hotel lobby wagging his tail at the humans. Bear loves Central Park, particularly the dog park where he can check out the trendy babes! He recently became a big brother to his now 5 mo old Pomeranian sister Dorothy Starlight Moon, who has brought the puppy out in him all over again! King Bear's family consist of 3 humans; Laura, John and Cody Sampson, followed by his sister Dorothy and 3 cat's Buddy, Winston and Mini.
Queen
 Her Royal Highness Beyonce Sprang goes by her nickname 'B". She is a 5 yr old Chihuahua/Daschund mix who was rescued from an abusive owner. Beyonce has a beautiful long coat, but she prefers the chic cropped look in the Louisiana heat! She has two rescued k9 siblings, Roxy and Chico. She also has four rescued feline siblings named Louise, Zoe, Katie-lin and Serena. Beyonce's favorite color is pink, and her favorite hobbies include rolling in stinky things in the yard, chasing the cats around the house, and lounging by the pool. Her favorite pastime is riding in the car with her 9 year old human sister and 6 month old human brother. She feels very honored to have been chosen as this year's queen, and will be escorted by her siblings in addition to Mom, Elizabeth, and Dad, Curt.
Grand Duke
 Sparky "D", Duke of da Perrade, is an 11 yr old German Shephard mix. He is employed as the mascot at Automotive Air, the Mandeville business his parents Dale & Nancy Phillips own. There are dawgs and there are dogs. Sparky is a special hound….found nearly dead on the side of the road after begin struck by a car many years ago…he knows how to howl the blues. He's had a number of hits as he regained his health and is proud to be chosen as Grand Duke. Oh yeah, he earned his name "Sparky" because, not only can he croon with the best of them (eat your heartworm out Snoop Doggy Dog), he can change your spark plugs too. Parade escorts will also include the Phillip's grandchildren, Blaine, Belin and Braxton Manalle. Long live Sparky!
Duke
 Sharkie is a 2 yr old white and brindle English bulldog. He is the son of Kenneth and MaryAnne Purcell, brother of Mr. Cash and the kissing cousin of Nola Blue. Sharkie is a natural athlete. He enjoys long walks at a fast pace, jumping as far and high off the couch as possible, chasing horses and garbage trucks and performing cat-like tricks. His nickname is "shark attack", appropriately given when just a puppy for his tendency to nibble on your ear and for the nonstop action. He's always the life of the party and ready to move when you are. He loves taking trips in the car and if he could have it his way, he'd be steering. He loves the park and play time with Cash and Nola. Sharkie also has a very sensitive side, and is truly honored to be a Duke of the 2009 Court!
Scepter Bearer to His Majesty
 Marko Ray is royalty among Pomeranians, with his puffy coat and beautiful "doggie" smile. Born of a championship bloodline, Marko had a rough start. He was neglected by his former companions; leading to injury and hardship. A heavy weight was dropped on his foot and few thought the young pup would live a normal life. Salvation came in the form of a young couple in the Lower Garden District: Sonja and Ryan Ray. Marko spent his adolescence exploring the dog-loving city of New Orleans and now considers himself a true New Orleanian. His family recently welcomed a second Pom, Macy Ray, into the family. They have become inseparable and spend their days out on the balcony barking at anyone that comes their way.
Scepter Bearer to Her Majesty
 Chuy is an 11 yr old, 15 lb. Pekingese mix who is half attitude and half bark. Her days are mostly spent sleeping in the sunshine and barking at nothing. She resides in Covington with her two miniature schnauzer brothers-Rufus and Rocky. Her parents are Trina and Ted Pullig, who are the owners of Zorro's-Cool Stuff for Pets and People in downtown Covington. Chuy is thrilled to be in this year's parade, and she will be wearing a hip, groovy ensemble to tie in with her group's theme - Zorro's Laugh-In---"Live from Beautiful Downtown FURbank". She is especially proud of her Dad, Ted Pullig, who was asked to design the Mardi Paws 2009 t-shirts, posters, and the all new costume contest Poop Trophies!!! Chuy is honored to be a part of such a fun and wonderful celebration.
Lady in waiting
 This year's Lady In waiting is Paris Starlight Mattern. She resides in Bush, La with her parents, Keith and Brenda Mattern and eight other beautiful Pomeranian siblings. Paris is surely a Showstopper. She has 68 Champions in her Pedigree, and this past September, she gave birth, for the first time to two beautiful baby girls - Madison Majestic Starlight and Dorothy Starlight Sampson, sister to the Honorable King, Bear Sampson. She loves being brushed, pampered and groomed. Paris loves to pose for pictures, watch cartoons, eat tasty treats, play catch with her toys and Just Look Fabulous! Each year she loves to priss and prance her way through Mardi Paws. And this year, it is an Honor to be their Lady In Waiting. She will be escorted by Brenda Mattern and Candace Downer.
Maid
 Sophia Rose Seippel is a 2 year old tiny toy apricot poodle. She has been participating in Mardi Paws for the past two years. Sophia is looking forward to being in the Royal Court this year. Sophia is a Texan girl, and her father comes from a line of champions. She has a sister named Missy, a black toy poodle. Sophia is very playful and loves chasing her sister around the house. She is a very affectionate dog and loves giving everyone kisses.
When she runs she prances like a fawn. At night she finds her way under the covers and cuddles with the family. She loves dressing up and hitting the town. She will be escorted by her mom, Rosaly deMelo Seippel and sister, Caitlyn deMelo Cottrell.
Maid
 Maid Maggie May is a 2 yr old Southern Bred Pug, She was born in the sweet, little town of Lumberton, MS, and of course named after the Rod Stewart song. She now resides in the bustling city of Mandeville with her mom, Michele Nazar, as well as two other humans, two canine cousins and an elusive cat. Maggie May is definitely a DIVA as she loves to shop for clothes and accessories and go for rides in the car. Her favorite color is pink as it shows off her eyes and beautiful black coat. Her favorite pastimes are snoring, playing tug of war and chewing on mom's fuzzy slippers. She's partial to sweet potato dog treats and baby carrots. This is her first year as a Royal Hair and she's parading as "Pugly Betty". She'll be escorted by her Mom, Michelle, and cousin Tracy Bridges.
Duchess
 Nola Blue is an eight month old English bulldog from Covington, Louisiana and the baby of the Purcell household. She's being escorted in her debut in the Royal Court by her big brother Mr. Cash and her kissing cousin Sharkie from New York City. Nola can be a real flirt, and don't let the dark eyes fool you she's a natural blonde. Her favorite things to do are wiggle, cuddle, give kisses, sing with her mama, eat treats, eat more treats and initiate "crazy bulldog hour". Crazy bulldog hour usually starts around 11pm. That's the hour when tug of war begins and ends with Nola Blue as the champ. She has held the title since her arrival on the scene. Her proud parents facilitating this debut are Kenneth Purcell and MaryAnne Marino-Purcell.
Parade Marshals
 Dixie Deux and Dixie Darlin’ have some big paws to fill, having inherited the Parade Marshal status from the original Lil’Dixie Darling who passed away last year. They are not new to royal lineage, coming from the family of Bill and Glenda Dobson, King Adam XIII and Krewe of Eve fame! These 7 month old Yorkies have been groomed since birth to take over Dixie’s reign. Their costumes are being made, throws purchased and they are practicing riding in the royal golf cart that leads the parade. We are working on keeping the masks on and barking only when spoken to. With personalities times two, they rule their house and keep touting Tigah, the family LSU cat, about the fact they are celebrities and get to ride in the Mardi Paws parade.
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