Country Meadows Retirement Community held a dog parade Aug. 9. Residents lined the outside of the three main buildings as approximately 30 dogs, their owners and family members paraded to each building to have the residents interact with their dogs. The weather more than cooperated for this event and about 100 residents were outside waiting to see the dogs.

Residents, their family members and employees and their family members brought their dogs adorned in party shirts, bows, ribbons and bandanas. Some residents were ready with treats for the dogs as they interacted with them.

The McCall family, including mom Kaitlyn, her children Briar and Harlow and grandmom Kim of Lower Macungie, brought their French Bulldog Maisie who loved seeing all the residents.

Country Meadows Campus Executive Director Melissa Clementoni brought her German Shepherd/Beagle/coonhound Bella. Clementoni’s mom Yolanda Clementoni also participated with her German Shepherd Pointer Dex. The two playfully engaged with the residents.

Gary Reese got to interact with Bella and Dex. Reese’s smile was as bright as the sun as he interacted with the dogs. Inside his residence, Reese was visited by his personal care giver Alicia Ritter and her husband, Collin, of Allentown who brought their dog Schwarber to the event. Schwarber wore his namesake’s Phillies jersey and matched Reese’s Phillies shirt. Reese was looking forward to watching the Phillies game later that day. The Phillies did pull out a 3-2 win for Reese who was celebrating his 85th birthday Aug. 10.

According to the National Institutes of Health, “interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of the stress-related hormone cortisol and lower blood pressure.” There have also been studies that show “interactions with animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support and boost your mood.”

The smiles of the residents, as well as their owners and family members, seem to spread from building to building throughout the morning. Some dogs even made their way inside the buildings to visit a few of the residents who were not able to make it outside.

A reception followed with snacks and beverages for both the dogs and their humans. Martie Haller, director of sales and marketing for Country Meadows, organized the event with the staff. Haller was pleased to see the turnout for the event. “This is the most dogs we have ever had,” she said.

If you are a dog owner and interested in participating in next year’s event, contact Haller at Country Meadows for more information. Their website notes U.S. News & World Report has consistently recognized Country Meadows Retirement Communities with high rankings and awards for their senior living communities. They have been ranked as a “Best Senior Living” provider in independent living, assisted living and memory care. Events such as the dog parade provide opportunities for residents to engage with the community and boost the moods for all involved.