Hempfield Manor to be site of Halloween pooches parade this weekend

Costumed dogs are invited to pay a special visit this weekend to the residents of Hempfield Manor.

Rodney Little, owner of Youngwood Top Dog Services, decided this year to hold his annual Halloween Doggy Costume Walk outside the personal care facility, rather than at Twin Lakes Park, to brighten the spirits of those inside.

“This year has that extra special twist to it,” he said.

Visitation at such facilities has been restricted since March because of the coronavirus pandemic, leaving therapy dogs that typically meet with Hempfield Manor residents unable to come inside, Little said. That’s been tough for the residents, said Activity Director Kristy Mathews.

“It’s really important, the therapy dogs lift their spirits on a good day and they really miss them,” she said.

The 3 p.m. parade outside the Woodward Drive facility is open to any friendly dog and their owner. There is a $5 donation for each dog and prizes will be given out for costumes that are the scariest, funniest and best combination between either a human and a dog or multiple dogs. There are typically between 50 and 100 dogs that participate.

Little said he expects to make a few slow laps around the manor with plenty of stopping to let residents in their windows check out the costumed canines. The 113 residents are excited, Mathews said.

The donations will be given to the manor’s activity department and Mathews said the funds are being directed toward Action for Animals Humane Society in Derry Township. Staff members had a soup and bake sale Wednesday to add to the total donation amount. Residents will get to “adopt” stuffed animals in advance of the parade, Mathews said.

Anyone wishing to participate should arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to register. Dogs must be on a 5- or 6-foot leash that is not retractable. Photographs of residents through the windows are not permitted.