Harbor Pets Hosts First Thanksgiving Pet Parade

Photo: Harbor Pet Facebook Page

Harbor Pet hosted their first ever Thanksgiving Pet Parade around Greenport Village this past Saturday, Nov. 22.

The parade was a success with 25 dogs and 40 humans who showed up to join in on the festivities.

The parade started at Harbor Pet after all the dogs dressed as turkeys, pilgrims and Indians registered at about 1 p.m. and went along the sidewalks throughout Greenport village with police escorts at cross walks and circled back to Harbor Pet.

The Thanksgiving Pet Parade event was also a benefit for the North Fork Animal Welfare League (NFWAL) and the entrance fee participation raised over $300 for the non-for-profit animal rescue.

“I wanted to do something different, and there are so many pet events in October, but everyone seems to skip over November and Thanksgiving,” said Habor Pet owner, Kim Loper. “It was a great day and everyone had a lot of fun – and we were again able to raise money for NFWAL, and bring the pet community together for a festive event.”

Village storeowners: Rena Wilhem of White Weathered Barn; Scott Raulsome of Burton’s Books and Linda Kessler of Kessie in Greenport were the official judges and as the parade passed by their stores they took into account what dog was wearing the best costumes.

Prizes were awarded to the following categories: Most Creative Thanksgiving Costume, Most Turkeylike, Best Couple, Best Pilgrim, Best Indian, Best Side Dish and of course best dessert!

Kimberly Mockler of Huntington, a pet owner who attended the event, traveled with her dog Dakota who is deaf, blind and who also uses doggie wheels to get around to be in the parade. Her dog’s costume was a thanksgiving table.

Dakota received the award for most creative costume.

“I love these pet events and now I have a great costume for next year’s Halloween and thanksgiving pet parades,” Mockler said.