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
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.
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.
Fiction Favorites 
This is so sweet! Happy birthday, Robert!
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I thought so too. Thanks, Vera.
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People can surprise you when you least expect them to, but these people are animal lovers!! A terrific story, John.
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I agree, GP. Thanks.
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I love the Fri-yay posts, and this one is no exception. How beautiful! Robert’s smile says it all. And your Johnku is perfect. 😊
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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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This makes me smile! Thanks for sharing, John.
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I’m glad, Jill. Thanks for letting me know.
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This made me smile and brought happy tears to my eyes. Such a beautiful thing!
Happy Friday, John 🙂
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I agree, Dale. We need more beauty. 🤗
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Absolutely! Thank goodness you provide a weekly dose 🙂 🤗
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You do as well. 😊
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You are just the sweetest! xo
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🤗
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Great idea. I’m sure he loved it.
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I think he did, Craig.
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How wonderful! I cannot wipe the smile from my face. (or my heart)
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Put an old guy and pets in a post and the smiles are the reward. Thanks, Annette. 😁
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What a heartwarming post, John. And the haiku is absolutely 100% correct!
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Thank you, Jan. Gives the day a beautiful start. Hope you have a good one. 😁
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Such a sweet story, John. Thank you for sharing. Love you haiku.
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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.😁
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Thank you, John. I hoped you might enjoy The Homecoming. I shed a few tears while writing it.
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You can certainly tell.
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How special. I love this story. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you, Darlene. Glad you liked it.😁
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What a heartwarming story, John. Thanks for sharing. I love dogs.
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I do as well, Dan. This was a heartwarmer for sure.
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What a wonderful story. Sure put a smile on my face. Thanks, John!
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Always good to have on your face, Teri. Thanks for the comment.😊
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That is so awesome.
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Thanks, Charles.
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That was so cool!
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I agree, Deborah. 😊
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Thanks for sharing this lovely story John.
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Such a great story! You have outdone yourself on your JohnKu, John. Really.
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Thank you for sharing this heartwarming news, John. After this news week, it was sorely needed.
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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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I love this! I couldn’t think of a better birthday celebration:)
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What a perfect idea! Kudos to his daughter and Happy Birthday Robert!
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You’re so right, this is definitely worth a second (or fourth) repeat. Happy birthday, Mr. Moore. And bravo to all the poochies that helped put a smile on his face and in his heart.
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Thank you, Monika.
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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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That would have been a good idea. Thanks, Debbie.
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Wow, what a sweet thing to do! A huge happy birthday to Robert. Thanks for sharing this heart-warming post, John!
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Glad you like it Mae. Thanks
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It comes back and it is multiplied! What a lovely story about how people, just being people, make a huge difference.
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Thank you, Pam. You are so right.
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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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I think she would enjoy it. Glad you liked it, Pilgrim.
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Most definitely, on both counts.
🙂
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😊
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Aww…sweet story! What a different drive- by birthday parade for a 100 year old. All he had to do was pet the dogs to communicate. Great Johnku!
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Yup. I think I would like that if I hit a hundred.
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Fantastic story! Kudos to Alison for finding the perfect way to honor her father.
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Thank you, Pete.
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That’s just great! I think anyone who makes it to 100 deserves a special birthday.
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I do too, Tim. Thanks
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I saw this story and it warmed my cockles (whatever they are). Quite an array of dogs. Now, I’m looking forward to my 100th.
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That would be an excellent way to spend it for sure. Thanks, Steve.
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Such a wonderful idea!
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It is Becky. Thank you.
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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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Thank you, Marcia. I love this feature myself. 😁
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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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Thank you so much, Marcia.
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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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Thank you for letting me know you liked it.
🎂X
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💋🎂X💋
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😁
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A great feel-good post John. God bless Robert and what a wonderful party for him for everyone to bring their dogs to celebrate. Beautiful! 🙂
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Thank you, Debby.
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