Albany Times-Union

Parade of pugs offers a show of small talents
Dog breed of all sizes and disguises takes part in an event that benefits local Humane Society

By JORDAN CARLEO-EVANGELIST, Staff writer
First published: Monday, June 20, 2005

'Best Kisser' Ming Mei, owned by Kim Michelini of Albany, walks the runway at Sunday's Pug Costume Ball and Parade in Troy. (Luanne M. Ferris / Times Union)

TROY -- It's not every day you get to see a crocodile and a bumble bee getting along without someone getting devoured or stung.

But the climate Sunday afternoon at Powers Park in Lansingburgh was downright friendly as pugs of all sorts, shapes, sizes and dressed in all kinds of disguises pranced around in the Pug Costume Ball and Parade.

There were, after all, several princesses in attendance -- and even a crocodile and a bumble bee.

"She's feeling pretty confident," said Joe Smith, cradling his dog, Roxy, who, decked out in a pink frilly dress and gold plastic earings, looked stunning, yet focused, as a 1920s era flapper.

Smith's girlfriend, Sue Wagner, was less sure as she held Elmer "The Jester."

"We'll be lucky if their hats stay on by the time they finish their little walks," said Wagner, of North Greenbush, who made both costumes with her mother.

It was Elmer's second parade, butt Roxy was the big winner, taking home "Best Suited" in the Pugs as Personality category.

"He is quite the clown, and she is the princess," Wagner said.

There were army pugs, manatee pugs, fisherman pugs, surfer pugs, hula pugs, and dozens of humans that are, admittedly, lugs for pugs.

"Pug people love pug people, and pugs love other pugs," said Richard Herrick of Troy, a member of the Albany-Capital District Pug Meetup Group and one of the day's organizers. The parade was modeled after a similar, larger one held in Chestertown in the fall, he said. Herrick got his first specimen of the stumpy breed, Mabel, 18 months ago when city police broke up a Lansingburgh puppy mill.

Why pugs? Well, obviously, "because they're the greatest dogs in the world," he said.

Twenty-five pugs in all took to the grassy runway, with the proceeds from the fashion show going to help the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society.

Capone, a black 7-month-old that is "17 pounds of pure muscle," according to his owner, Chris Adriance, wore a tin-foil cone hat, becoming, of course, "Pugs-N-Kisses." He won "Most Bang for the Buck."

Adriance, of Ravena, said she threw together the costume that morning after hearing about the parade.

But the day wasn't reserved just for the svelt pups that could squeeze into tiny get-ups. At 40 pounds, Chancey took home the prize for the portliest pug. He did not march much. "It's quite an honor," his owner said.

Mayor Harry Tutunjian helped hand out the winning ribbons, but his 11-year-old half-pug, half-Boston terrier mut, Murdoch, stayed home.

But John Heaphy and 1-year-old Fudge from Troy knew their audience better than anyone else.

Playing to the hometown crowd, Fudge's black bow-tie and red, white and blue top hat made him the tongue-wagling image of Troy's beloved Uncle Sam.

To a smattering of applause and an occasional yelp, Fudge teetered away with the "Funniest" in the Pug as Clever and Creative category.

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