Over 250 Attend Greenspring's Holiday Pet Parade

(Springfield, Va.) - On Saturday, December 6, Greenspring retirement community’s conference center featured a packed house with more than 250 residents, family members, staff, and special guests for the Greenspring’s 11th annual pet parade. Over two dozen dogs paraded by the audience donning their finest holiday attire. This was first pet parade held during the winter holiday season at Greenspring, providing dogs and dog lovers the opportunity to dress in the spirit of the season!

This year, Greenspring welcomed a number of special guest participants; some of those included Abe, a Xoloitzcuintli, one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds. Abe came all the way from Richmond to participate in the parade. Another special guest was a Komondor named Betty. Betty, who visited from Fredericksburg, has received an invitation to the prestigious Westminster dog show next year. Blue and Sammi, two Newfoundlands, came all the way from Virginia Beach and kicked off the parade.

Residents, family members, and staff also paraded their dogs this year. Brian Marandola, Greenspring’s Director of Dining Services, shared Sofie with the audience, a Maltese dressed in a Santa costume. Kay McCurdy, one of the organizers of the pet parade, dressed her Havana Silk Dog, Kerry in holiday green and red. Residents Carla and Chuck Harding shared their dogs, Heather and Piper, who donned large gold bows! A variety of other wonderful participants delighted the audience from a Boxer to a Mini Goldendoodle to a Shetland Sheepdog and many more.

The end of the parade featured a performance by Eileen Fulk and Ricky, one of her two Australian Shepherds. Eileen is a trainer with All About Dogs, a dog training facility located in Prince William County. Each year, the pet parade is sponsored by the Dogs of Greenspring, a resident-coordinated social group on campus. Greenspring is a pet-friendly community; the campus features miles of walking paths and its own “Bark Park”.

ABOUT GREENSPRING:
Greenspring, one of 18 retirement communities managed by Erickson Living, is situated on a scenic 58-acre campus in Springfield, Virginia. The community is home to nearly 2000 residents, many of whom reside in the over 1400 independent living apartment homes. At Greenspring, over 200 resident-run and resident-driven programs promote an engaged, fulfilling lifestyle that is reflected in resident satisfaction levels that exceed the industry average. Additional information about Greenspring can be found at www.ericksonliving.com.

Photos:
1) Comet, dressed as a reindeer, joined the parade with his “mom” Jen Youngberg. If Comet looks familiar it’s because he was featured on Virginia Lottery’s Lucky Dog scratch-off tickets!
2) Angel is always a crowd favorite at Greenspring. Her “mom” Margarete Morgan lives at Greenspring.
3) Special guest Tamara Sandy and her dog, Abe, a Xoloitzcuintli.
4) Special guests Julie Gable and Gabor Adamovics brought their Newfoundlands, Sammi and Blue, from Virginia Beach for the parade.
5) Brian and Chantal Marandola with their Maltese named Sofie. Brian is the Director of Dining Services at Greenspring.