Sooke residents came together on Sunday (June 22) for the second Paws for Pride Parade, a celebration of community and inclusion, hosted by the Sooke Branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library in partnership with the Friends of Sooke Parks and the municipality of Sooke.
The family-friendly event ran from noon to 2 p.m., starting at the Sooke library’s covered underground area that was filled with music, crafts, and activities for kids.
Accompanying them were their dogs, some of them flamboyantly dressed for the occasion.
What started as a small event last year to promote inclusion continued this year, with hopes of growing into a full-fledged parade, explained library manager Vicki Dolling.
“We are doing everything we can to make Pride visible,” she said. “We just really want to be able to connect to the community, and that everybody sees themselves reflected in what's in the library and what we're doing.”
Describing the event as an easy way to get involved in a good cause, Dolling and her staff decided to hold it for a second year, as it was “very well received” in a community where she felt there “hasn’t been much done for Pride.”
“We really work hard to be a safe space for everyone (regardless of) your gender identity, neurodiversity, or the colour of your skin; everybody belongs at the library,” she said.
Part of this year’s parade was Brianna Fitzgerald, along with her young family and her 11-year-old Newfoundland dog, Carly.
This calm and fluffy ball of love is no stranger to the library, which she visits regularly to lend a paw for a good cause.
Working as a therapy reading dog, Carly helps children improve their reading skills in a judgment-free environment.
“Every week, kids sign up to read with her for 20-minute sessions, and it definitely helps build their confidence and kind of reduce that anxiety around reading,” she said. “She loves it and the kids really get a kick out of this gentle giant, so it's very sweet and very rewarding for everyone.”
The parade set off shortly after 12:30 p.m., travelling from Wadams Way to Townsend Road and looping through John Phillips Memorial Park.
Festivities continued in the park with games, face painting, and treats for attendees and pets.
“This is what community is all about,” said Mayor Maja Tait in a release. “Coming together in a playful, welcoming way where everyone feels they belong and are a part of something special.”
