MLK PARADE

By Wednesday, January 18, 2017 40 Permalink

This years MLK Parade will – by far – hold many “golden” doodle moments for me…

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As we walked, I thought about the man, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. –

an African-American Baptist minister and social activist from Georgia, who stood for peace, equality and justice.

Those words resonated with me as we passed hundreds of people lined along dozens of streets. More than 103 participating floats, bands, cyclists, clubs, auxiliaries and organizations. It was A-mazing to be a part of it all.

PARADE HIGHLIGHTS –

OMDoodle, do I have a few….

The Boys and I walked with Mother Emanuel AME Church. The same church where nine members were gunned down senselessly during bible study not so long ago.

After waiting months “for” the trial, then months “of” the trial, the penalty phase, sentencing, etc… It was time to thank the beautiful City of Charleston for the many incredible acts of kindness. We also wanted to let them know we are growing stronger.

Notice Jaxson the four legged Parade Marshall was right up front…

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Waiting for the Parade to begin, Harley thought if he #doodledup to First Lady Manning, she might allow him to ride part of the way in her convertible…

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No matter where we go – the Mayor and his wife Sandy will always find their “Charleston Boys“….

1614 This year the parades Grand Marshall was a young man by the name of Christopher Singleton…

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His mother – Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton (Minister, Teacher and Coach) attended bible study that night. He along with the other Emanuel 9 family members, continue to be an inspiration to so many.

The children enjoyed the Boys…

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And they were quite the crowd pleasers along the way…

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It was a pawfect day. The Boys gave love and received love.

Dr. Martin Luther King was right when he spoke these words –

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.

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This is our WORDY contribution in the BlogPaws Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

40 Comments
  • Dashlilly
    January 18, 2017

    Well … I’m crying. What a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing this. That has to have been the most wonderful day. The “Charleston Boys” did not disappoint! I’d been thinking about you all throughout the whole sentencing time. What a beautiful testament to love the parade was. And who better to help represent love than the grooviest goldendoodles in town. Well done Cathy! Well Done.

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 24, 2017

      Hey there Deirdre – It was an incredible day. The boys were wonderful and made so many humans smile.

  • Two French Bulldogs
    January 18, 2017

    Fabulous parade. A day well worth celebrating
    Lily & Edward

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 23, 2017

      Yes it really was my two favorite french bulldogs. A day I will never forget!

  • Carol Hackler
    January 18, 2017

    It sounds like it was a lovely parade to celebrate the life and legacy of a man we are most blessed to have walk this earth! And then Harley and Jaxson leading the group, bonus!

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 23, 2017

      Harley & Jaxson did cause quite a bit of excitement. They were the only four legged participants in the entire parade. They are now parade trendsetters LOL

  • Claudette Pope
    January 18, 2017

    That is a Beautiful post. Thank you so much for sharing such a meaningful experience. I can feel the excitement from just looking at the pictures. The pride for your boys is shared by so many people. Thanks again.

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 23, 2017

      Claudette – it was PAWsome to say the least. I am so happy I decided to bring them too.

  • DearMishu
    January 18, 2017

    Wow this MLK parade is awesome!! #BlogPawsFellow

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 23, 2017

      It was really put together well and man people participated and even more were lining the streets to see. A great day!

  • Monika & Sam
    January 18, 2017

    An inspirational post abou an inspiration worthy man. Looks like the boys did you and the community proud. ❤️

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 23, 2017

      Monika – the Boys represented well!

  • M. K. Clinton
    January 18, 2017

    What a wonderful day to honor such an amazing man. I am glad the trial is over and I hope Charleston can continue to heal after the recent verdict. MLK had some beautiful quotes. ♥

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 23, 2017

      M.K. – we are all trying to grow stronger. The city, the country the WORLD has been A-mazing with all the outpour of prayers and well wishes. I am proud of my city and my church family for bonding together!

  • Robin
    January 18, 2017

    This parade looks like it was wonderful! Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was a true American hero. He did an amazing job of using love to bring people together. Jaxson and Harley seem to have had a lot of fun getting to celebrate with everyone.

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 23, 2017

      Robin, Jax and Harley had the best time ever. It was so adorable to see Jaxson’s tail wag a little faster and his booty swag a little harder when the bands would start to play. That boy loves music!

  • Emma
    January 18, 2017

    You boys did a fine job. Good work!

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 23, 2017

      Thanks Emma!

  • Elaine
    January 18, 2017

    What an amazing day for you and the doodle boys. I feel like many in this country have forgotten the essence of what MLK peached and stood for. Thanks so much for sharing this celebration, the wonderful quote and the spirit of MLK.

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 23, 2017

      My sentiments exactly Elaine. All we can do is try to remind one another as often as possible through thought, word and deed.

  • Christine Caplan
    January 18, 2017

    This is a truly inspirational post – what a beautiful parade – and I love the quote you included: “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” I hope that Dr. King’s quote is embraced by anyone that reads this.

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 23, 2017

      That was my prayer too Christine. Thanks so much for reading 🙂

  • Rosa @ Cat Lady Confidential
    January 19, 2017

    What a beautiful parade. Dr. King’s life was truly inspirational.

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 23, 2017

      He was an extraordinary human being, we just didn’t have him here long enough…

  • Jackie Bouchard
    January 19, 2017

    Wow, what a great way to observe the holiday. Fabulous. (Always love that quote!)

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 23, 2017

      Jackie, that has to be one of my favorites from him as well.

  • Lindsay
    January 19, 2017

    Im so happy that the boys (and you) had the opportunity to be in the parade. I have such good feelings that more is coming your way.
    And based on the photos, looks like the boys were plum-tuckered out following the parade. 🙂

    Have a wonderful weekend my friend. xoxox!

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 23, 2017

      Lindsay – the Boys were done for the rest of the day. At first I thought Jaxson was going to play some more when we finally got home – nope! He was out like a light. They ate dinner and we walked another mile or so and it was all over…. Enjoy your week my friend XOXO

  • Taryn
    January 19, 2017

    Looks like a wonderful parade.

    You have the best groomed doodles I have ever seen!

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 23, 2017

      Awwhhhh, thanks Taryn, how have you been?

  • meowmeowmans
    January 19, 2017

    What a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing your great pictures and moving account of the parade commemorating Dr. King’s life and legacy. So glad you, Jaxson and Harley were able to participate like that.

    Thank you for stopping by our blog, and for your nice comment!

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 23, 2017

      Love your blog – my husband doesn’t like cats so I live vicariously through blogs like yours 🙂 Have a great week!

  • JeanneP of Bichonpawz
    January 20, 2017

    What a wonderful inspirational post!! So glad that you and your boys were a part of it!

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 23, 2017

      It was really something I doubt I will ever forget.

  • Rachele Baker, DVM
    January 20, 2017

    What a great experience for you and the boys, Cathy!

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 23, 2017

      It was the best Rachele – the absolute best!

  • Jan K
    January 22, 2017

    I’m so happy for you and the boys that you got to enjoy this wonderful experience. I love how much you, and again, the boys, have settled into and become such an integral part of your community.

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 23, 2017

      Jan, I couldn’t be happier – well, I could with a modeling gig for them but I’ve still got paws crossed 🙂

  • Tiffany Bennett-Cuartero
    January 25, 2017

    Charleston Strong❤️

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 25, 2017

      All day long!