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Adorable pet parade in Astoria raises awareness for animal welfare campaign

Pets and their owners at the Pledge Kindness pet parade at Chateau Le Woof on May 17. Photo credit: Studio Coco NYC

May 22, 2025 By Jessica Militello

On Saturday, May 17, Chateau Le Woof partnered with animal welfare nonprofit FarmKind to host a heartwarming pet parade and costume contest aimed at raising awareness for the organization’s new campaign, Pledge Kindness, which advocates for compassion toward all animals—whether pets, farmed, lab-raised, or wild.

Grand‑prize winner Gia Diamond as “Poppa Pope.” Photo credit: Studio Coco NYC

Photo credit: Studio Coco NYC

The event, held at Chateau Le Woof’s dog café at 31-01 Vernon Blvd. in Astoria, featured red-carpet moments, pup-friendly snacks, and a loop around Socrates Sculpture Park. The celebration also included a meet-and-greet with Instagram-famous pets and a special event-day menu created just for the four-legged guests.

Pets gather for the Pledge Kindness pet parade on May 17 at Chateau Le Woof. Photo credit: Studio Coco NYC

Costumed pets are ready to go on parade. Photo credit: Studio Coco NYC

The Pledge Kindness campaign encourages the public to take four simple but meaningful actions: adopt first, shop cruelty-free, support factory-farm reform, and use humane solutions for wildlife conflicts. FarmKind’s goal is to inspire individuals to take part in creating a safer, more compassionate world for animals of all kinds.

Photo credit: Studio Coco NYC

Photo credit: Studio Coco NYC

A highlight of the day was the costume contest, where Gia Diamond, dressed as “Poppa Pope,” took home the grand prize of $250 alongside her owner, David Roberts, founder of Proper Pet Care NYC. Beloved local pup and Chateau Le Woof mascot Lola le Woof also addressed attendees with a “speech,” promoting FarmKind’s mission to protect all animals.