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    It's Fat Tuesday, so let the debauchery, bead-throwing and King Cake-eating commence! Mardi Gras is a celebration all about loving life and over-indulging, two things pets are great at year-round. So, it comes as no surprise that animals really know how to throw a Mardi Gras fete. Smiles, crowns and costumes galore — this year's four-pawed participants in the Mystic Krewe of Barkus in New Orleans and Krewe of Barkus and Meoux in Shreveport had all kinds of spirit. Find out how to celebrate Mardi Gras like a true party animal from these pet parade participants. 

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    FLOAT ON

    Instead of waiting for the pet parade floats to come to him, this pint-sized pup just decided to come to the 15th Krewe of Barkus and Meoux as one himself. 

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    HAPPILY EVER AFTER

    The Krewe of Barkus and Meoux do pick a royal court every year. But even if you don't make the cut, with the right attitude, it is easy to still feel like a winner. 

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    HANDI-CAPABLE CANINE

    Diversity and differences aren't just welcomed at these pet parades, they are celebrated. 

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    WINNING SMILE

    Just like humans, animal spectators spent their Mardi Gras parades scoping out bead-catching opportunities. This pooch obviously had a good tactic.

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    PRINCESS PUPPY BREATH

    This year's theme for Mystic Krewe of Barkus was, "Tails & Tiaras: Here Comes Honey Bow Wow." Pets and owners alike had no problem parading out their best pageant wear. 

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    ANIMAL KINGDOM

    Both parade names are a play on the "Krewe of Bacchus," which is the title given to the celebrity king of the Mardi Gras parade. Obviously, this canine was campaigning for the part. 

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    RICH AND ROWDY

    These two decided that their favorite New Orleans event should be a black tie affair. 

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    CELEB SIGHTINGS

    Just like the human parades, these animal festivities attract all kinds of famous folk. Puppy Gaga is ready for a bad, Mardi Gras-style romance.

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    DOG SAVE THE QUEEN

    Is that Miss Louisiana we spy amongst the spectators?

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    TUTU TERRIER

    In hopes of being named queen in the secret ballot vote, female animals broke out their finest frocks. 

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    DOGS LIKE BOXES, TOO

    As a celebration of indulgence, flair is heavily encouraged. 

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    PACK MENTALITY

    This is a party that all your friends are invited to, even the ones on two feet. 

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    THE KING LIVES

    For some reason, equine Elvis stood out among the plentiful pooch participants at the parades. We wonder why.

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    PUP PERSPECTIVE

    You literally had to be on the down-low to catch all the action at these animal parades. 

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    THE BEST ACCESSORY 

    There isn't a real dress code for these events, but one thing is required: a smile. 

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    NOT-SO-SECRET AGENT

    This dog tried to go incognito as another animal; too bad crawfish is a creature that captures the attention of every New Orleans resident. 

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    Next: See More Pets in Costume!

    A TRUE PARTY ANIMAL

    Finally, what would a Bacchanalian celebration be without a little bit of goat?