Have you heard the news? The fantastic 2013 Cherry Blossom Parade is Sunday at 3:30 p.m., and there will be something historic in this parade. Guess what it is? Me!

And it gets even better! I’ll be the first animal grand marshal of the incredible parade. Can you believe it? I’m so excited I just keep pinching myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.

I am just so humbled to be invited by the fabulous new Cherry Blossom CEO, Mr. Jake Ferro. How wonderful it is that the folks with the Cherry Blossom Festival understand the strong relationship between animals and people, and we’re celebrating that bond at the parade.

What a huge honor it is for me to represent animals in the parade, too. Although I’ve spent my entire life advocating for animals everywhere, especially homeless animals, it is a distinct privilege to be the animal grand marshal in something so significant as the famous Cherry Blossom Festival.

I hope when folks see me -- a very grateful rescued dog -- at the parade, they will remember there are terrific countless pets sitting in shelters waiting for new families. Rescue groups are bursting at the seams with lovable dogs and cats hoping to be chosen.

Everyone surrounding me is so elated over the parade, especially my mom, Tracie VanDeWalker, and my Aunt Patti Jones. They’ve been with me my whole life, and I know them well enough to know when they set their minds on a project for me, it usually means I’m in for an adventure. And have they ever had me on an adventure getting ready for the parade!

They wanted to make sure I’ll look my best for the big day. So they’ve gone shopping for the most beautiful, festive fabric for my outfit. Then they measured me this way and that way to make sure I have the perfect fit. I can’t wait for you to see it.

And lo and behold, they took me in for a spa day! I’ve had a bath, had my nails buffed and had my first facial. They shampooed my hair and even put curlers in it. Good grief, it’s a lot of work to look this good.

I was really kind of embarrassed though. I’ve always thought I was a macho boy, but I didn’t really feel like it with moisturizer all over my face and pink sponge rollers in my hair. The things I do to make Mom and Aunt Patti happy.

Won’t you come out to see me in the parade tomorrow? And when you see me ride by, please say hello and remember the homeless pets I’m representing who need families.

And I promise I’ll give you my best parade wave. Really, I’ve been practicing.

Send questions to acpup247@yahoo.com. Visit www.acpup.com or see his Facebook page.