Parades!

This is a little out of order but I never got around to talking about the two parades Serena and I have joined this past month.  The first was the Mokena, IL 4th of July Parade.  We are trying to get as much information out to the public as possible and a parade is a great way to do that!  It was super hot so we had to keep stopping to give the dogs water but they all were wonderful and brought many smiles to people's faces.


Serena (left) and her sister Venus waiting around for the parade to start.  All the dogs wore angel wings :-)

Serena making a friend.  This whole football team came over to have her shake and she was very good and let each boy have their turn.  This surprised me because she used to be PETRIFIED of children. 

Part of the MAWP crew waiting to join the parade:

Walking in the parade:

The next parade we joined was the Disabilities Pride Parade in Chicago about a week ago.  Unfortunately Serena and I missed the parade itself because traffic was horrible and it took us almost 3 hours to get into Chicago (its usually about a 45min drive).  Luckily after the parade they had an event at Daley Plaza where My Angel with Paws had a booth and we got to talk to many many people.  It really was an awesome day.  I talked to potential clients in need of dogs, families of people in need of dogs and potential puppy raisers.  Serena did her job of being cute and performing all her skills.  She was a good sport and did many 'shakes' and played dead and showed off her "doggie push-up" skills.

What really made me oh so proud was how she handled people in wheel chairs.  We met many people who have severe mobility issues and could barely move the joystick on their chair.  They wanted to pet Serena but their movement is very abrupt and random.  I wasn't sure how she was going to handle it because of her past and how she is afraid of new people.  She was perfect.  She even went as far as putting her head under someone's hand who couldn't quite move to her.  It took all my effort not to cry in happiness.  Dogs are truly amazing creatures and moments like that are exactly why I do this.

Serena loved Mike and really enjoyed hanging out with him while we talked:

This is Bree, a 5 month old Golden Retriever, making friends:

This is Bauer, Bree's brother, also making new friends:

Deb and Gabriel (left) and Kaylee and Bauer talking to potential clients and their families:

The parade was a huge success and told many people in the disabled community about us.  We will be there again next year!