Life Care Center of Crossville hosts Puppy Day parade and pageant

March 23 was National Puppy Day, and Life Care Center of Crossville celebrated in a big way – with a parade and pageant.

“We wanted to bring the community back to our building and bring joy to our residents, so we decided to do a puppy parade and pageant fundraiser for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life,” said Miranda Hajny, business development director. “We invited the community and staff to bring in their dogs to visit residents and parade through the building.”

With a $10 entry fee and 12 dogs, the event raised $120, with all money going to Relay For Life.

“The residents were so excited to have so many dogs in our facility!” Miranda added. “They took time to pet every one and invited them to come back to visit any time!”

Three residents voted on the winner of the pageant portion, but they each voted for a different dog, so every resident in attendance had a chance to vote. Arnold, a friendly English bulldog owned by the family of Ashley Garret, business office manager, was the final winner – by one vote!

“I enjoyed the event,” said resident Kathleen Morley. “It was fun and interesting.”

“I absolutely want to do it again!” said resident Bob Murrah. “It was such a different thing to do, and I loved seeing the dogs. I lost my dog recently, and it felt good to be able to love on another dog.”

Even residents on the secured unit also enjoyed a visit from the dogs as they went from room to room.