In a display of community spirit and canine charm, the Mardi Paws parade saw a four-legged officer take to the streets of downtown Covington. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office showcased their own K9 Freya, a Bavarian Mountain Hound, as a special guest in the festivities. A social media post by the sheriff's office captured the moment, revealing that Deputy Terry Poynter, alongside Freya, was adorned in Mardi Gras's signature purple, green, and gold—in the form of a cowboy hat.
The sheriff's office took to Facebook to share the event, describing K9 Freya's participation: "Our very own K9 Freya was strutting her stuff as a special guest in the Mardi Paws parade today. Handled by Deputy Terry Poynter, she was able clearly to enjoy her role as a crowd favorite, especially among the attending children." Known for her tracking specialty, Freya was also humorously noted by the department to be tracking "all of the treats at the parade."
The Bavarian Mountain Hound's breed, often likened to a larger version of the dachshund, is known for its exceptional scent-tracking abilities. Freya, as noted by the sheriff’s office, is a disciplined member of the force, but on this occasion, she seamlessly mingled duty with pleasure. Photographs shared alongside the social media post showed the K9 decked in beads, receiving affectionate pats and attention from parade-goers.
Deputy Poynter, Freya's handler, has been a part of past parades, but it's the charismatic presence of his four-legged partner that tends to steal the show. The sheriff’s office expressed that participating in community events like Mardi Paws allows them to engage with the public in a more relaxed setting, giving residents a chance to meet and learn more about their local law enforcement officers—both human and canine alike.
