The planets all aligned on March 1st to bring PEFECT weather to the 42nd St Patrick's Day Parade in Alexandria, Virginia. Sunny sky, 65 degrees, and a gentle breeze. Westie Rescue MidAtlantic sent out a call for all local Westies to join in to march behind the Westie Rescue banner to show the thousands of spectators who lined the streets, that the Best Import from the British Isles are West Highland White Terriers.
Over 55 Westies and their owners made the parade a success. Westies came in from far and wide. New England, NJ, PA, MD, all points of VA, Washington DC, and even from the Maryland Eastern Shore. It was quite a sight to see Westies marching 15 across, stride pass the reviewing stands with their tails up straight and their pink tongues hanging out as they strained on their leashes trying to be the first one to pass.
On every turn in the parade route, the crowds would clap and cheer to the sights of Westies rushing to meet and greet the hundreds of children lining the streets along the way. At the end of the little herd of Westies marching was 17-year-old Fergus pulled by his mom in his St Patrick's decorated "Geezer Wagon". Upon seeing him women and children laughed and yelled out "Hey Fergus, You're a stud muffin! Hang in there!" Fergus smiled and when interviewed afterwards stated "That not everyone has a fan club to cheer them on".
Also, in attendance to show how much they improved since being adopted were Finn, Stella, Bonnie, Malcom, Charlie #2, Alec, Alex, Bella, Bruno, Miss Abby (who has now gained weight and showed off a perfect white fur coat making her unrecognizable from the sick little bony one that came in to the program back in 2023), and many other Westies. It is always great to see them all once again, healthy, happy, and tail wagging showing off with their proud moms and dads. It is truly amazing what good food, a safe home life, and lots of love can do to make a best buddy shine. For the all the efforts of the adopters, Westie Rescue is forever grateful.
In 2025 Westie Rescue will help our 1,400th Westie. A testament that shows there is a home out there for every Westie who needs that second chance for a great new life.
The St. Patrick's Day Parade is organized by the Ballyshaners (Gaelic for "Old Towners"). The Ballyshaners, Org. is a non-profit group that seeks to promote and preserve Irish heritage through the organization of the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Alexandria, Virginia.
Video on YouTube
https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxujJmznAwzW6CjKIL1bI4RtFPuEzTCd2j?feature=shared
There are more events up coming all over the USA and Canada.
LINK: https://westierescue.com/events.html
Miss Sunny, who was a skinny bag of bones when she came in months ago, wanted to let everyone know that she was unable to attend the parade as she was recovering at her Nags Head beach house and walking on beach getting her toes wet. Her fur is almost 99% back and growing!
Another tough life of an adopted Westie!