Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Goodnews

~ John W. Howell

 

Dogs arrive – Photo Denise O’Brian

You may have seen today’s good news story, but it is such a heart warmer I couldn’t pass it up. The story comes to us from USA Today. Here it is in its entirety.

Hundreds of dogs parade for man’s 100th birthday party

Saman Shafiq

USA TODAY

When Robert Moore’s family started planning his 100th birthday party, they wanted to make sure it was special.

There was going to be a big family dinner, of course, but since a lot of Moore’s friends are no longer alive, his daughter, Alison, thought including man’s best friend – dogs – in the celebration would be a good idea.

“My father loves dogs. He just loves them all,” said Alison speaking to USA Today.

A few days before the party, Alison shared a post on Facebook and Nextdoor explaining her idea and asking friends, neighbors, and members of her community in San Jose, California, to drop by for a parade with their dogs on June 17.

Robert Moore pets a dog at his 100th birthday party

Robert Moore pets a dog – Photo Holly Barr

Though her post was widely shared, Alison had little expectation and was prepared for only a handful of people to show up. However, hundreds of dogs and their owners lined up on the streets outside their house, waiting patiently to be petted by the birthday boy.

What was even more exciting was that the furry creatures arrived in all sorts of costumes, from tuxedos to cowboy hats and bumble bee costumes. There were pups riding in classic cars, as well as dogs with disabilities pulling carts.

“It was all so amazing,” said Alison. “I thought only a few would show up, and they’d just walk in front of the house and be done. But the response was so overwhelming. People not only brought their dogs but families also came with their little ones who wished my father a happy birthday.”

Denise O’Brian with her father Robert Moore – Photo by Denise O’Brian

Many of the surprise guests also brought gifts for Moore, including flowers, cupcakes, handmade drawings, and posters.

“My sister and brother-in-law picked him up from his assisted living center and told him about the surprise party,” Alison said. “He was shocked, but at the same time, he was so excited for it. By the end of the event, he was so overwhelmed [with the response].”

“He petted every single dog that came through. It was so lovely,” said Alison.

Denise O’Brien, who brought her father to the celebration, told USA Today that her father couldn’t stop “talking about that wonderful dog parade party.” She added that despite her father’s Alzheimer’s condition, he enjoyed every minute of the party and spending time with dogs.

Alison said that ever since pictures and videos of the dog parade were shared on social media, people have been reaching out to her to tell her how much they enjoyed seeing the celebrations and that they hope to do something like this in their own community as well.

The good news here is kindness is rewarded. Today’s JohnKu talks about paying it forward. I hope you have a great weekend.

Reward by John W.Howell © 2023

Have you noticed that,

Kindness shown for no reason. . .

Comes back in no time.

72 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Goodnews”

    1. Thank you, Gwen. These Friday posts have certainly reoriented my attitude about the state of things in the maco environment. It is a focus on what is good as opposed to reality. 😁. I hope you have a peaceful weekend.

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    1. Thank you, Joan. I just finished Menagerie last night. (About time) Homecoming was the best. Such a beautiful story. My dad was a naval aviator who died when I was ten, so you can imagine a few tears were shed. Well done.😁

      Liked by 1 person

  18. I did see this story and loved it then. So happy to see it again, John. We need all the good news we can get. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  22. Such a great idea, and I’m sure the new centenarian enjoyed it. I only wish they’d held it at his assisted living center so the other residents and staff could get in on the fun. After all, everyone needs a day-brightener!

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  25. I have to send this story to my daughter, she is absolutely going to fall in love with it. She’s a cat mama but she loves all animals and is a bit of an animal whisperer. This is the kind of parade she would love to coordinate.

    Thank you for getting the weekend off to a rousing start Boss

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  31. WAY late to the party, but SO glad I finally got here, John! What a lovely story, indeed. It’s wonderful on every level, especially that so many, many good people responded in such a kind and fun way.

    Sometimes a story like this is just what we need to read to restore our faith in mankind. It’s taken a few hits lately, with so much bad news everywhere, but your FRI-YAY posts help us remember that the potential for kindness is in all of us, even if kind acts don’t always make the headlines.

    Thank you for reminding us! Best blog feature, EVER! 😀 ❤

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      1. I’m glad it gives you pleasure, too, John. I sure don’t know any other feature, anywhere, that I enjoy more! I look forward to it every week. Oh, and I forgot to tell you that I especially liked your JohnKu today. Most excellent! 😀

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  32. Friyay every day! I was laughing with glee as I read this. You pick some good ones John, and this is one of your best.
    Thank you for this slice of happy cake, and the great JohnKu! 😄ꭓ🥳ꭓ🎂ꭓ

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