Impressive Dogs in Madrid for a Charity Parade

Hundreds took their dogs to the traditional "Sanberistriy" parade in Madrid today, Saturday, to raise awareness about the phenomenon of pet abandonment. The parade is a fun version of the San Silvestre race held at the end of the year, organized by the animal protection group "El Refugio," which campaigns against animal abuse. The group works to provide new homes for dogs and cats abandoned by their owners. Susana Isabel Fernández (66) who was walking with her dog Rita said, "A dog is all love, and it's sad that people buy dogs like toys and then abandon them. This is a crime." Impressive dogs, some dressed in Santa Claus outfits and other festive clothing, passed by the Puerta del Sol square and other landmarks in the capital, with their owners concluding the event with a traditional New Year's Eve custom in Spain of eating 12 grapes.