We woof you a merry Christmas

WALLACE — The holidays aren’t just for humans — Cindy Lien has ensured that.

Last weekend the 9th Annual Wallace Paw Parade took place and if growth is any indication of staying power, the Paw Parade might just be around fur-ever.

Dogs of all shapes and sizes made their way through the historic downtown of Wallace before landing at the Barnard-Stockbridge Museum, where Santy Paws — sorry — Santa Claus was there to greet everyone.

125 four-legged, good boys and girls participated in this year’s parade, a 55-dog increase from 2021.

This really doesn’t surprise Lien, who believes that the parade captures the essence of what the holidays are all about.

“Everyone who came out had a good time,” Lien said. “And that’s exactly what we want.”

As the doggos literally paraded themselves around town, families along the parade route made sure to come outside and see what all the fun was about.

“This parade is fun because there’s no pressure,” Lien said. “The goal is to have everyone come out and have fun and spend some time together with your neighbors. Wallace is a dog-friendly place and we were happy to be able to show that.”

This year, prizes were awarded to the two best costumed pups, one for the smaller breeds and one for the big dogs.

Marshmallow, belonging to the Powell family won the prize for the large dogs, and Gail Carson’s Lady won for the smaller dogs.

“This is my ninth year doing this and I really don’t see myself ever going anywhere,” Lien said.

Lien hopes to turn the parade into a fundraiser in the future.