Saturday, December 6, 2008

My First Parade

I am really exhausted but I have had such an amazing day I couldn't wait to blog about it. I was in my first parade as a member of the Paws 4Ever Drill Team (it used to be called the Animal Protection Society)! I've been in a few demos but a parade is a whole different thing and much more exciting.

My friends Ayla and Royal were in the parade with me and this was the first time for all of us. Our people have paraded many times before with our older siblings. Ruby and Big Sandy are retired now but they were excellent in the parades and knew all the tricks perfectly. Barbara paraded many years with Selkie who was a parade diva and just loved showing off.

Our people were worried that we would be really wild in the parade so they decided to get us together for some exercise in the hopes of calming us down. I believe the phrase Barbara used was "Let's try to run their legs off". How silly of her. Not possible.

Look at the three of us go.





After a lot or chase games and bitey face, Ayla did some roaching for us.




It was a wonderful start to the day and it did help me settle down a bit but not much. I was terribly excited when we got to the parade. There were floats, firetrucks and bands and lots of little kids running around. It got me all charged up again.




Here is a picture of the team with our new banner.




We were all very glad to see Hadji and his people. Hadji was very sick this fall and could barely walk never mind practice with the team. He is recovered now and he helped his people carry our banner.




Here is our mascot.




We lined up in the street to get ready to march. I am at the very end.



Elmo and Bernie



Doing our group downs.



More marching.



Ayla, Royal and Bernie in the pinwheel move.



I think we were very popular in the parade because we got a lot of applause. I hope people see that we dogs can be trained and learn lots of neat things. Of course all our training is positive and I can't begin to tell you how many bits of cheese and hotdog I got while marching.

This was a terrific adventure and the best news is that there is another parade next weekend which is even bigger. I can't wait.

17 comments:

Hero said...

Way to go on your first parade, Niamh! You are your team were fabulous! I can't wait to hear about your next big parade!

Dughallmor Beagles said...

Wow, you guys did so well and look like you had lots of fun, well done! And don't you all look lovely and shiny after your baths!!
Another bath-time next week is it??
Slobbers and wild applause xx

Lorenza said...

Hi, Niamh!
Sure it was great to go on your first parade!
Glad you had fun with your friends!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

Wonderful photos! We're all vert proud of you, Niamh!

Your Pals,
Sen-Chan, Tom and Tama-Chan

Arran, Arthur and Mum said...

Well done you guys! What a good cause. :D You look like you had lots of fun playing and in the parade.
~Lickies, Ludo

Gus, Louie and Callie said...

Wow you first parade. That looks like so much fun. Sure glad you got to show off after all your training.. We bet you can't wait till next weekend!!


Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie

Arikbo said...

What fun! Where can we sign up for cheese and hotdog?!? Congrats on your first parade. Very well done. :)

wags and wiggles,
Haley & Bailey

Dughallmor Beagles said...

Hey Niamh, we have an award for you, come by and pick it up any time!
Slobbers xx

Dexter said...

That is so awesome! You are a regular doggie chorus line.

Slobbers,
Mango

P.S. I got your card. You look just breathtaking.

Ayla said...

Hey Niamh,
Wow - I'm still exhausted after yesterday's parade. I had no idea it would be sooo exciting. I think we did a really good job, but I didn't have the confidence that the older dogs in our group had. It was so loud with people clapping and cheering, and candy all over the street.
See you in our Fun class on Tuesday. Now I need to spend some time with Sandi doing my blog!

Your friend, Ayla

Chef said...

What a great parade! You must have had so much fun. All of you look great - I really wish I could have watched that. Congratulations!!

xoxo
Chef

Molly the Airedale said...

How exciting for you, Niamh! We've never even seen a parade before!
Guess what? Our mom is coming home today! yahoooooooooo

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Toffee said...

Great job!

Looks like you had a fabulous time!

Pedro said...

Niamh,

Wow, you did great in your parade. I think I'd be too scared to march in a parade because I saw alot of kids in the pictures and they scare the dawg poop out of me!

Pedro

Molly the Airedale said...

Mom helped us open your beautiful Christmas card when she came home from Florida, Niamh! Thank you so very much! We love your card!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Amber-Mae said...

Wow! That parade looks sooperb! I wish I was there to watch the whole thin. You & your friends must have did very well.

Butt wiggles,
Solid Gold Dancer

Samantha ~ Holly and Zac ~ said...

Well done Niamh, that looked like a great day. The play time with friends beforehand looked fun too.

Love,
Holly & Zac