LONG BRANCH, N.J. -- The Dorothy Parker Day dog parade included a martini-wielding "cocktail spaniel," a fascist-fighting rescue dog and a lone cat named Nigel who came to get his nine lives blessed.

The event was part of a celebration that focused on four things that Parker loved: books, luncheons, cocktails and dogs.

PARKER DAY 2007 From top: The signage, dog catcher reads Parker, the dog walk, visitng Dottie's birthplace. See the photo gallery.

The Parker pooch parade began at the parking lot of St. Michael's Church at North Lake Drive and proceeded to the site where Parker was born at 732 Ocean Ave., which is now an apartment complex.

Why a dog parade?

Parker adored her dogs and was rarely seen without them. Kevin Fitzpatrick, New York City, president of the Dorothy Parker Society and author of the book "A Journey into Dorothy Parker's New York," said Parker's legacy is still felt in the 21st century.

"Parker loved dogs, and this is a very fun event to get people interested in her work," Fitzpatrick said. "Her writing has never gone out of style. What she wrote about in 1927 is still relevant in 2007. Getting a heart broken or being in a bad relationship is timeless."

Fitzpatrick stressed that Parker never disparaged New Jersey or Long Branch in any of her writings.

According to the Web site, dorothyparker.com, Parker's birthplace is the first literary landmark of an author's birthplace in New Jersey, as designated by the Friends of Libraries U.S.A.

Parker was born at the family's beach cottage in 1893; her mother died in 1899. The best-selling poet and short-story writer gained fame as a member of the Algonquin Round Table, a collection of writers, playwrights and actors who lunched at the Algonquin Hotel in the 1920s. Parker was an Oscar-nominated screenwriter, a playwright and the first female drama critic on Broadway. She also was a fighter for social justice, civil rights and left-wing causes. Parker died in 1967 in New York City.

Held on Oct. 14, Dorothy Parker Day also included a roundtable luncheon at local eateries; readings of Parker's work at the Long Branch Free Public Library and a late-afternoon speakeasy party at the Mix on Brighton Avenue. At the dog parade, pet owners dressed their dogs up as famous literary characters.

Joelle Aponte, Long Branch, a member of the Dorothy Parker Society, came to the parade with her cocker spaniel Nick Charles. He was named after the sleuth in Dashell Hammett's novel "The Thin Man."

Nick Charles looked like he was ready to party. He was decked out in a black derby and a plastic martini glass hung from his waist.

"He likes parades. He's a very busy dog. He never stops moving. He loves to stare at himself. His favorite drink is definitely water — out of a martini glass," Aponte said.

Carlie Noto, 10, of Manasquan, and her cousin Kathy Larson of Wall came with their long-haired Chihuahuas, Chip and Mojo. Chip was dressed in a Halloween outfit adorned with faux doggie bones that glowed in the dark. Nick and Chip were among the top dogs who received an etched martini glass for their creative costumes. Several dogs also received ribbons.

Deacon Eugene Somma of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church offered a blessing of the pets.

"God loves us so much that he gives us animals to be of service and companions to us," Somma said.

Lois Kiely of Ocean Township dressed up her dog Ernie with a Yertle the Turtle theme. The West Highland Terrier had a stuffed toy turtle pinned to his blue jacket.

Kiely said she chose the Dr. Seuss theme because his book is about toppling authoritarian elements.

"Parker was liberal in her political viewpoints and was against fascism," Kiely said.

Tricia Harris of Long Branch said she came specifically to get her 16-year-old Burmilla cat Nigel, blessed. The 16-year-old cat was quite mellow, despite the fact that he was surrounded by dogs.

Beth Woolley of the Long Branch Historical Association said one of the goals of the day was for people to not only become familiar with Parker but to get to know Long Branch.

Dorothy Parker Day was sponsored by the Long Branch Arts Council, Long Branch Historical Society, Dorothy Parker Society, Long Branch Free Public Library and the West End Merchants Association.

2007 Parker Day Photo Gallery.