Puppy Parade Brings Smiles To Seniors At Maple Glen Memory Care

GLEN ELLYN, IL — The senior residents at Maple Glen Memory Care were beaming from ear to ear as they got to observe nine pooches prancing playfully during a puppy parade that was held at the center Friday.

The seniors got to pet the dogs, play with them and feed them during the event, which was held outdoors. Some residents even fondly recalled their own pets as they played with the pooches.

Ahead of the event, the Maple Glen Memory Care residents made "pupsicles" for the dogs and cut out bandanas for the pups to wear.

"The activities gave the residents purpose and enjoyment while allowing us to prepare them for the event," Maple Glen Activities Living Director Sarah Federking said in a news release.

The staff at Maple Glen was inspired to arrange a puppy parade after seeing how the residents enjoyed working with Zeus, a therapy dog who belongs to Maple Glen Activity Coordinator Hannah Haldeman.

The center's executive director, Mallory Gaffgna, said in a statement, "Activities such as the puppy parade encourage engagement, promote memory recall and help residents thrive. Judging by the smiles, laughs, and wagging tails, it was clearly a fun event for our residents, the staff and, of course, the dogs."