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Witherell Rehab Center In Greenwich Presents 'Pooches On Parade'

GREENWICH, Conn. -- Nathaniel Witherell, a rehab and nursing center in Greenwich, recently hosted "Pooches on Parade."

Nick Kavanagh (right), the nephew of newly retired Witherell Board chairman David Ormsby, brought his uncle's Golden Retriever Sobe to Witherell. They are pictured with Witherell resident Dick Allen, at the Pooches on Parade event.

Nick Kavanagh (right), the nephew of newly retired Witherell Board chairman David Ormsby, brought his uncle's Golden Retriever Sobe to Witherell. They are pictured with Witherell resident Dick Allen, at the Pooches on Parade event.

Photo Credit: Contributed

The quarterly event drew 14 four-legged friends and their human companions, who mingled with dozens of Witherell residents, family, staff and volunteers in the center's auditorium and adjoining solarium. 

In recognition of Memorial Day, the rooms were decorated by the recreation staff with patriotic flags and cascading star mobiles. In addition, Witherell residents were given red, white and blue leis, and all participants received a tin pail filled with goodies, including patriotic people treats, dog treats and a mini American flag. 

Master of Ceremonies Mary Bruce, the center's Therapeutic Recreation Director, called out the names of every veteran in attendance (there must have been a dozen). 

The event wrapped up with a flag-waving sing-a-long of "God Bless America." 

Pooches on Parade is the formal part of the Witherell’s pet therapy program. 

Witherell also welcomes individual dog and owner teams to come in on a more informal basis and go around the building on their own, coming when it is convenient for them and working it into their own schedules. 

For more information on bringing a dog to an upcoming Pooches on Parade and/or becoming a Witherell pet therapy volunteer, call Sally Van Leeuwen at 203-618-4228 or email her at sallyvanl@live.com. 

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