Pooches on Parade took a patriotic twist when it was held over Memorial Day weekend on May 28. The ever-popular quarterly event attracted 14 four-legged friends and their human companions, who mingled with dozens of Witherell residents, family, staff, and volunteers in our spacious auditorium and adjoining solarium. Keeping with the theme, the rooms were decorated by the recreation staff with patriotic flags and cascading star mobiles.
In recognition of Memorial Day, Witherell residents were given red, white, and blue leis, and all participants received a tin pail filled with goodies, including patriotic people treats, dog treats, and a mini American flag. Especially touching, Master of Ceremonies Mary Bruce, our Therapeutic Recreation Director, called out the names of every veteran in attendance. The event wrapped up with a flag-waving sing-a-long of “God Bless America.”
Pooches on Parade is the formal part of the Witherell’s pet therapy program. Witherell also welcomes individual dog and owner teams to come in on a more informal basis and go around the building on their own, coming when it is convenient for them and working it into their own schedules. For more information on bringing your dog to an upcoming Pooches on Parade and/or becoming a Witherell pet therapy volunteer, please call Sally Van Leeuwen at 203-618-4228 or email her at sallyvanl@live.com.
