Grand Marshal Scrim
The Mystic Krewe of Barkus presents Scrim, the most notorious canine escapee in the City of New Orleans, as this year’s Grand Marshal. He is a 17-pound Westie-Terrier mix, who has become a Louisiana folk hero. Scrim first escaped from his adopted family in April of 2024 and roamed the city for months until he was captured. Weeks later, in October, he leaped out of a second-story window in a moment recorded on video that got national attention online.
During his months on the lam, Scrim survived being shot twice, a hurricane and freezing blizzard conditions. A posse of volunteers tracked his movements over 57 square miles (148 square kilometers) using wildlife surveillance cameras and a crowdsourced map of sightings.
“Missing dog” posters of Scrim blanketed the Mid-City and beyond, and the hashtag #FreeScrim trended on Twitter among those who supported his drive and free spirit. Countless citizens volunteered to help catch Scrim and many residents set up food and water stations for him in their neighborhoods. There is no official count of those on “Team Scrim,” but interest in his whereabouts was unwavering.
Scrim’s life story from homeless stray to beloved survivor is still being written, but his journey so far has been defined by his dogged fortitude and courage. Pondering his newly acquired leisure time inside on a comfy couch, Scrim says he hopes to get a laptop so he can journal about his adventures running around town. “I may write a book called Tattle Tails & Street Scandals by Scrim the Scram Artist,” he adds.
Once a legendary outlaw on the lam, Scrim is now an official Rogue Royal with Barkus, the largest canine Mardi Gras parade on Earth, as our 2025 Grand Marshal. All Hail Grand Marshal Scrim!
The parade follows a 15-block route through the Vieux Carré, stopping at the VIP Reviewing Stand at Good Friends Bar, corner of Dauphine and St. Ann, where VIPs will toast the Royal Court. Curious observers are welcome to come watch the parade.
All proceeds from Barkus, a non-profit organization founded by Wood Enterprises, benefit animal organizations in New Orleans and the Gulf South area. For more information, visit www.kreweofbarkus.org or e-mail info@kreweofbarkus.org.
EQUALITY DISCLAIMER: All dogs are eligible for various levels of membership without regard to their social, educational or family backgrounds. All colors, coat types, tail sizes and body mixes accepted. Cosmetically and non-cosmetically challenged dogs are welcome. Bluebloods and previously homeless dogs encouraged to participate.