Library Pet Parade- Not Just For the Dogs

From furry to scaly, pets lined up with their owners behind on Thursday morning for Bayport-Blue Point Library’s annual pet parade.

Head of the library's young adult department, Kate Reilly, said the kids would march around the library with their animals and then every pet gets a certificate of participation, colorful scarf and dog biscuit. 

"The kids really enjoy it and the dogs are usually well behaved," Reilly said, but warned that dogs may not be the only animals on parade. "About 15 pets have pre-registered for the parade; it’s mostly dogs and a rumor of a snake coming today.

A snake named Ripley did join with his owner Evan Falvey. Evan said his snake, a ball python he received for his birthday last year, would participate in the event.

“Ripley's excited to be here," Evan said. "He is going to slither at the parade, he loves to slither.”

Evan’s older sister Hanna was there too with her Golden Doodle, Rudy.  “He is about four months old. Rudy is crazy about the other dogs – he likes to make friends," Hanna said.

Twins John and Chris Roedel marched with their pet guinea pig named Mr. G. The brothers gave Mr. G the royal treatment during the parade by putting his cage on top of a wagon. They also crafted festive pet parade decorations for the wagon.

As Mr. G chewed on his owner’s shirt, John said, “The “G” stands for guinea pig. We're going to put him in his cage and pull him in the wagon for the parade."

The pets and people marched to the beat of parade music as they strutted their stuff along the route starting from , and around the outside of the library. 

Once back on the fire department grounds, library staff gave each pet a certificate for participating, a bag of dog treats and some water. The bones and paw-shaped dog treats were made the day before by teens in a library program. The extra treats were donated to Brookhaven Animal Shelter.