Pretty pooches sniff out garden

Run for cover, camellias. Duck, pansies. Beware, viburnum. For the first time in its 28-year history, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is letting the dogs out —- or in, to be more precise.

On Dec. 6, the garden is staging its first-ever Reindog Parade, with costumed dogs (and their owners) invited to participate. After the parade and judging for various contests, the prettied-up pooches will be free to wander —- on leash, of course —- the carefully tended outdoor gardens.

While the thought of all those plants that have never been “watered” by a wayward canine might have doggie mouths drooling, it has horticulture director Mildred Pinnell a tad anxious.

“We’re really hoping the dogs will be well behaved and stick to the sidewalks,” Pinnell said. “We’ll have plenty of volunteers around to direct dogs to the lawn if they have to go. Hopefully dogs won’t find a plant they think is a chew toy.”

Pinnell said she’s most concerned with the pansy displays, which just went in and are actively growing right now. Volunteers will be stationed around some of the more vulnerable plants. There’s even a volunteer who has agreed to be the dog day’s official “pooper scooper,” although owners will be encouraged to clean up after their own canines, said executive director Mary Pat Matheson.

“This is a bit of a test, but if everything goes well, we really hope it will become a yearly event,” Matheson said.

The contests include best puppy costume, best owner/dog look-alike and the best use of plants in a costume.

“We’re hoping people will get really creative with that,” Matheson said.

Dogs must be registered for the event by Dec. 5, and three celebrity judges will pick the winners.

Garden chief Matheson said she plans to dress up and bring her two Scotties.

“So many people these days consider their dogs part of their family,” Matheson said. “We thought people would like to enjoy the garden with their entire families —- including their pets.”

FOR THE DOGS

Reindog Parade

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 6. Includes doggie demonstrations, advice and refreshments. Registration, required by Dec. 5, is $10; owners also must pay $12 garden admission. Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. To register or for more information: www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org; 404-876-5859.