The children cluster around the bright red wagon. They exchange excited looks while trying to coax Cuddles out of his cage. Cuddles, however, is far too shy to come out and play.

Cuddles, a guinea pig, was one of the animals in attendance at the Elizabeth Taber Library's pet parade on July 27.

"This is the second year we've done this," says Donna Ohlman, Head of Circulation at the library and primary organizer of the parade. The library held the pet parade the year before last.

"This guinea pig should run for office," says Shirley DeBalsi, nanny for Cuddles' owners as the children jostle for position around his cage. Cuddles, of course, refuses to budge from his cardboard shack.

Meanwhile, Sammi, the library's Shih Tzu accepts her award for best costume.

"Sammi is mine and I bring her in everyday," says Judi Kleven, Director of the Elizabeth Taber Library. "The kids walk her, take care of her and learn to respect animals."

As more pets begin to trickle in the parade becomes busier.

"We're known for being very pet-friendly," says Kleven. "We set a water bowl out on the front steps. We make sure any dog that comes into the library gets a treat. We think pets are an important part of community."

The rest of the awards are handed out, with Cuddles taking the award for smallest, of course, and the attendees and their pets head home.

The library staff and attendees note the upsetting lack of a single cat in the parade.

"Next year I'll have to bring some," says Kleven.