Wrap Up - Scottish Christmas Walk Parade 2023

Westies from all up and down the east coast reported to the parade staging area to get ready to prance through the streets of Old Town Alexandria VA on Saturday Dec 2. Westies were there to show the thousands who lined the sidewalks trying to catch sight of the large herd of Westies holding their heads up and tails at full mast as they marched down the street, that they are a force to be seen. Over 85 Westies made the parade a success, as they had dragged their owners out of bed early on Saturday morning so they could meet up with other dogs who looked just like them! 

Westies of all ages made the call to be a part of the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade after hanging out in the cool morning air just waiting for the command to move forward. (Westies, as their owners can confirm are NOT very good at waiting). Everyone from old geezers being pulled in wagons, to puppies way too happy to see and meet the crowds lining the streets, adopted Westies showing off their new mom and dads, to even a few "Westie Want 2 Bes" who came with their home fur-mates, made the parade a success. As always, all Westies are welcomed to show the world that Westies are the BEST IMPORT FROM SCOTLAND! 

Each year for the past 29 years Westies have gathered and marched in the parade behind the Westie Rescue banner. They came to show off and delight the crowds with their new colorful plaid coats, Christmas finery, and winter jackets. Many Westies came dressed in the colors of their family Clan Kilts matching their owners. Others wore logo shirts stating they were the reason their family can't have nice things or just saying PRINCESS. While waiting for the parade to start, multiple treats were handed out to keep everyone focused and well behaved. Noses and butts were sniffed, stories of Westie ownership were shared and new friends were found among the four legged and two legged attendees. Westies who had their rescue stories posted before came to show off they are well and now happy with a loving families and ready for life's adventures.

Westies in attendance

As the herd of Westies marched along the streets, in the middle of the pack was Fergus being pulled in a wagon. As a geezer he wanted human powered transport. He reports that this year marked his 15th year of attendance in the parade. He also said next year he wants a softer riding wagon and a electric blanket to warm his toes. No, not spoiled at all...

Also was Scruffy who was up front of the Westie Rescue parade banner, showed off his healthy body and barked loudly every 10 paces to announce to one and all "Here come the Westies!" On every bark the crowd would laughed and waved to him. What a ham. Read his amazing story of surgeries and recoveries here: https://westierescue.com/blog/scruffy-updates.html

Marching along with the her new mom and dad was Miss Abby, who was adopted earlier this fall. Poor little thing came in as a bag of bones and fighting a diabetic crisis. Now she sports a can do attitude and a few extra well needed pounds. Her Mom and Dad were so proud of her recovery as is Westie Rescue. Our goal is to help each and every Westie who come into our program to receive the Vet services necessary so they can be ready for adoption and a new life. Miss Abby stole many a heart during her time of recovery with us and her Vet staff, so it was great to see her once again. She even made a cameo appearance in our TV interview.

It was so good to hear reports first hand on many of the 70+ Westies we have adopted this year. It is those stories and your donations that keep our little program of helping homeless and sometimes helpless Westies get the care they need to be adopted into wonderful new homes. Please remember Westie Rescue during this giving season as they too need help to make the Christmas spirt come alive.

Video Links: 
Interview: https://youtu.be/bBVdri4IAE8

Entire Parade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ_jyiUgXJM 

From all of us who make up Westie Rescue here on the east coast, all over the USA, Canada, and from our international counterparts we all say THANK YOU to all who have donated and will donate to our efforts!

Donate Now

Mark your calendars now for the FIRST Saturday in December 2024 for the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade held in Alexandria VA just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. See you there!

- Stephen and the Westie Rescue MidAtlantic Volunteers 

Past Parade Videos

Westie Scottish Christmas Walk 2022 https://youtu.be/jVpTVL9Kres

Westies Scottish Christmas Walk 2013 https://youtu.be/9uo76vQthN8