Riverview pup parade sure to be treat for all

South Osborne

The dog days of summer aren’t over yet — at least not at Riverview Health Centre.

In what can be described as its most spectacular form of pet therapy, Riverview will hold its fourth annual dog parade on Saturday, Sept. 20. People from the broader community will bring their dogs and treat the patients and residents to a lively pooch procession around the centre, as well as some one-on-one puppy love.

The concept of a dog parade was conceived by longtime Riverview employee Jenna Vandurme, who works in the personal care home as a therapeutic recreation facilitator. She organized the first parade during the COVID-19 pandemic, when pet therapy and family visits with pets were restricted.

“Dogs and cats and just pets in general, they really help people; that’s why there’s pet therapy. And when we weren’t able to have it, it was devastating. So I tried to come up with an idea of what we could do to kind of bring that,” said Vandurme.

While the residents and patients couldn’t interact with the dogs that first year due to the restrictions, seeing the pups — some in costumes — march past their windows still brought a lot of joy, says Vandurme.

“We were able to do two laps around; the second lap was designed for people on the third and fourth floors to see… we got some really good pictures of people smiling in the windows,” she said.

Post-pandemic, the event allows the residents and patients to meet and pet the dogs inside the centre after the parade. Interacting with dogs and other animals helps people relax and lowers stress levels, and the whole experience brings delight, fulfillment, and a sense of community to everyone involved, says Vandurme. And, of course, it’s a tail-wagging good time for the dogs.

“I feel like the dogs really enjoy having the stimulation of the people and the other dogs around… everybody loves the dogs so they get a lot of the attention,” said Vandurme. Each dog also gets a grab bag with treats and other items, she says.

Adding to the enjoyment are refreshments and a photo booth for people to get pictures with their dogs. Face painting will be a new activity this year, says Vandurme, noting cheerfully that the event tends to draw a lot of kids.

The event will start at 9:30 a.m. and wrap up before lunch, rain or shine.