An annual parade of dogs returned to Trinity Village Retirement and Long-Term Care Community in Kitchener. The tradition, that has now been running for over a decade, is a chance for residents to see all kinds of pups, and reminisce about their own pets they’ve had throughout their lives. “It’s excellent,” Guy Maltby, a resident said. “You can tell that the animals are enjoying it. It brings out such joy in the people.” Dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes were brought by people involved with the retirement home. “Sometimes residents come in and their pet ends up living with family members. So, family members bring them in. Also, we have board members that bring their dog. So, they come from a variety of different areas,” Debby Riepert, Chief Executive Officer of Lutheran Homes Kitchener-Waterloo, said. Roughly 12 four-legged friends took centre stage in the annual dog show, doing tricks for residents to see and trying their best at an obstacle course. “My father recently moved to Trinity Village. So, I thought I’d participate,” said Jeff Gordon, the son of a resident. Staff explained that the show is intended to bring joy, create meaningful connections, and provide residents with an engaging experience that celebrates the special bond between people and animals. “It helps me out since I had a stroke and things like that. But events like this are great for me to come to. The smiles that all the people have on their faces are just fantastic,” Maltby said. “I’ve been an animal lover all my life.” Highlighting the importance of bonding with animals, the retirement home also has its own pets for residents to enjoy. “We have pet birds and fish. So we do have that connection between our human friends and our pet friends,” Maria Menounos, Program Manager, Trinity Village said. The dog show has been happening at the village for about 14 years and organizers said every year the residents, staff and volunteers look forward to it.
