Dogs took to the runway Friday at Smith Village, bringing smiles to residents at the Beverly senior living community who came to watch the yearly pet parade.
Their owners accompanied them, of course, but it was the dozen dogs strutting their stuff who stole the show.
“Rusty looks into the eyes of the people he meets and within seconds, they’re in love” read Shannon McGuire, the master of ceremonies and a concierge at Smith Village, from the bio of the orange and white Brittany, who is 5.
Mary Burke, Rusty’s human companion, came with her sister, Peg Burke, who brought Casper, a cuddly white dog who loved playing with children and is dubbed “Casper the friendly dog.” The two come to visit their mother, who lives there.
There was also a contest to determine the top three models, who each received a goodie bag with treats and toys. Rusty came in third; Jewell, a Bernedoodle, second; and first place went to Bullet, a 5-year-old mini schnauzer.
Anna Marie Heenan, Bullet’s owner, said she had been owned by two shady individuals but was surrendered to Will County Animal Control, from where she adopted the pup.
The pet parade has been going on since 2007, but staff have found other ways to bring the joy of pets to residents, including allowing those in independent living to have dogs and other pets and allowing some leeway in the hallways and common areas, where other residents can pet the canines.
Marti Jadis, executive director, who attended the parade, has been known to walk a few residents’ dogs.
Many of the dogs at the event are popular fixtures with Smith residents.
Bullet loves everyone, according to Heenan, who lives at Smith.
“He’ll bark at you if you don’t stop and pet him,” said Heenan, who said she was amazed he won first place.
Elaine Butler, another Smith resident, said Jewell was also an attention grabber.
“Everybody knows this dog,” said Butler. “She loves people and children.”
Rosemary and Tom Hake, both dog lovers, watched the parade and pet some of the dogs as they strode past.
“I enjoyed it very much,” said Rosemary Hake. “We’re dog lovers, so any dog means something to us.”
The couple had their own small dog that lived to 20 years when they resided in a condominium in Chicago, so they said they miss having a canine companion.
Bridget Murphy, the Smith Village life enrichment director who organized the event, said it was good for everyone there.
“A lot of the residents in long-term care and assisted living, as well as independent living, used to have dogs, so for them to come to the pet parade to see the dogs in costume and be able to pet the dogs, it just brings them happiness,” said Murphy.
