DotDotDash: Puparazzi Edition

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Just another night with some Downtowners groomed for the evening. DogDogDash after the jump:

BARK ANGELS: Parishioners and downtowners broke biscuit together as a mixed-breed of faiths gathered for Dog Day Afternoon in the Courtyard of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels last evening..— The two gracious hosts, Buddy (golden retriever) and Joaquin (black Labrador) each received a proclamation from the City. Those in attendance barked in approval.

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SNIFF THE CARPET: The dog social event of the summer had owners on a leash while dogs mingled. Those washed and brushed (and some fluffed) included Guacamole, Burrito and Wiggy from the parish side. Local pups included Ruby from 4th and Main and Wonton from 6th and Main, out in the public eye for the first time and showing no fear from the larger dogs..— Representatives of the business end included Vaca from Basic Flowers at 7th and Fig. From the "Westside" of Downtown was Harry from the Historic Gas Company Lofts sporting a fashion statement that dogs are jesters to no one..—Incognito was one K9 in shades, rumored to be from Council District 14. ..— Most impressive entrance came from Bernie, a Great Pyrenees, that had the flock of Chihuahuas shaking (more than usual). Yet, so gentle was the Pyrenean Mountain Dog that he was petted without a blink, and even gave a lift to one shaking Chihuahua..—The crowd's other fave was a German Bulldog named Sherman Tank, "Tank" for short, who rumbled through the courtyard with a bad-boy swagger.

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OH YEA, PEOPLE WERE THERE TOO: "It may be the biggest gathering of dogs since Los Angeles was just a village." said co-organizer Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik when he welcomed the pet pilgrimage..— DCBID's Hal Bastian thought of the name, but credits Kostelnik for the idea of the event, and together they thought over logistics ending with almost a formal setting for the evening..— The increase in pet owners has been a part of the domestication of Downtown seen only in the last few years. Kostelnik recalls in 1995, Secret Service were so wary of the area down Main St, they did not allow the visiting Clintons to step outside St. Vibiana's Cathedral.

PUPARAZZI PRESENT included the LATimes, DowntownNews, Univision 34, and DogCatRadio.com..— While it's hard to get a headcount, easily over 50 dogs roamed the plaza and grassy area, enough to keep purple shirts busy with scoopers and quickly washing after what dogs... doo. (The event was low on security, as no LAPD K9 were seen) ..— The sundown dogma run was for those who believe in the spiritual guidance of pets, and Cardinal Roger Mahony were among those stayed into the evening..— Mahony began the night with the words "That God's creatures of this earth give us love with no judgment, only acceptance." ..— DotDotDot says "Hallelujah, Alleluia and Amen to that."

More photos on Flickr