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Wag Heaven Hosts 1st POPP Pup Parade at POPPtoberfest in Georgetown, TX

Glenn Polyn//October 21, 2021//

Wag Heaven Hosts 1st POPP Pup Parade at POPPtoberfest in Georgetown, TX

Glenn Polyn //October 21, 2021//

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Press release: Wag Heaven

The city of Georgetown, Texas, recently held its inaugural POPPtoberfest, which included the POPP Pup Parade, hosted by Wag Heaven Pet Supplies and Self-Serve Dog Wash, on October 3, making its way around the “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas.”

People along the square were greeted by the parade’s grand marshal, Georgetown’s Spring Pet Costume Contest Winner Scrudge, a Chihuahua, along with his owner, Gabby Franco.

Along with deputy fire marshal Jonathan Gilliam, the parade procession closed with Georgetown’s own Fire Dog, Koda, a golden retriever, beautifully outfitted in a personally-tailored doggy satin dress accented with red poppy pedals by local designer Robin Manley.

All the participants then gathered to pay tribute to the 75 dogs that passed away two weeks earlier in a tragic fire at a local boarding kennel.  Many owners were there holding pictures and names of their absent companions.

“This event was so meaningful, as it was honoring the dogs that were lost as well as comforting their owners with the support of the community,” said Jusak Yang Bernhard, one of the owners of Wag Heaven.

Rhonda Minardi, founder and executive director of Living Grace Canine Ranch, a facility that rescues and provides forever homes for senior dogs, began the moving tribute with a prayer and words of comfort. The names of all the lost dogs were read aloud, followed by a reading of the “Rainbow Bridge” poem, bringing many in the crowd to tears.

“We realize that the healing process takes time,” added Jeff Manley of Wag Heaven. “And we want those affected to know that the Community of Georgetown stands with them.”

“We felt honored to see so many pet owners join in to show their support and strut along with their pets, many wearing Red Poppy themed costumes,” said Cari Miller, Festival Director of POPPtoberfest. “The whole morning was festive, creative, and meaningful.”

Goodies and self-serve dog wash coupons were provided for each POPP Pup Parade participant by Wag Heaven Pet Supplies & Self-Serve Dog Wash, Georgetown’s newest pet supplies store.  Pet food and treats from Lotus, Nulo and Plato were among the goodies.

 

(Photo by Ron Parks)