It was only a matter of time. With every other form of parade in Buffalo, The Elmwood Village Association has announced that it will be hosting the first ever Holiday Pet Parade in the Elmwood Village. Dog lovers will be thrilled to get their four-legged friends out into the cool weather (no hot art festivals please) to parade their pooches off this holiday season. Parades like this are a great way to enjoy the winter weather, get some exercise, meet new friends, and enjoy time with our pets (and other people’s pets).
The parade, to be held on December 14, 2013, will be led by the jolly man in red himself – Santa. And we all know how much a parade of dogs loves to follow a costumed character… this should be a ton of fun for all to see.
Pet owners and their dogs are being asked to congregate outside of Animal Outfitters (706 Elmwood Avenue) at 11am the morning of the parade. The trek will last 0.5k, heading down sidewalks until the entire congregation ends up at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo, 695 Elmwood Avenue (corner of West Ferry), where Santa will pose for pictures with pets, children and families. Animals are encourage to get dressed up for the occasion.
During the parade, there will also be pet-themed caroling, with sheet music provided by Precious Paws Rescue – Mothers and Kittens (a no-kill animal shelter for stray kittens). As if that wasn’t enough, The WNY Drum Circle will also be on the scene, as will volunteers and dogs from the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter. Anyone attending the parade is invited to bring pet food and treats that will be placed under a Christmas tree at Animal Outfitters. At the same time Elmwood Pet Supplies is offering at-cost treats and food to be purchased during the event, which will then be delivered to the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter that night. All in all, this sounds like a great day for pets, and their owners, as well as a spark of hope for all of the animals that are looking for homes this holiday season (and beyond).