Some dogs are destined for greatness. Maybe they have a fantastic sense of smell and can detect bombs, saving soldiers at war.
Or perhaps they’re tender and intuitive, making them the perfect emotional support dog cheering up children hospitalized for cancer treatments or seniors facing their final days.
Dogs are fantastic pets and awesome partners, particularly when they’re completely willing to help cheer up an entire neighborhood quarantined during the coronavirus pandemic.
Flannery Pendergast had no idea when she walked into the Humane Society in Milwaukee that she would fall in love with a dog named Dancer. She knew there was something special about this girl based solely on her smile.
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Dancer’s smiley disposition and positive outlook while being caged up at a shelter impressed Flannery. They were meant to be together.
Flannery renamed Dancer as Riley Mae and took her home.
The adventures these two have embarked upon are crazy fun, but their latest endeavor has gone viral, shocking Flannery.
The started dressing up in matching themed costumes for the holidays, primarily Halloween. But when everything was shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, Flannery had a fantastic idea.
Every few days, Flannery would put Riley in the cutest, cleverest costume that matched hers and they would take their daily walks together for everyone to see them and hopefully get a good laugh out of their antics.
“Ever since COVID started, my dog and I dress up every week and walk around the neighborhood looking like weirdos to make people smile.”
Flannery shared their escapes in the Dogspotting Society Facebook group. She had no clue that people would be so supportive and receptive of their quest to boost people’s spirits.
“It’s Friday. You know what that means … walks around the Washington Heights Neighborhood looking like weirdos to make people smile.”
So far, her Facebook post has received more than 24,000 reactions and 2,500 comments. Flannery even started an Instagram account to showcase their jaunts around the block.
Not only did the neighbors love it, but so did their Facebook followers.
“You are the best kind of person (and doggo).”
“Thank you for being an awesome positive force in the world.”
“This is beyond adorable.”
“This is hands down the best idea I’ve ever seen!!”
“I love it! I wish you lived in my neighborhood!”
“Well done! I bet you have cheered up a lot of people. You both made me smile.”
“Love love love this! Anything for a smile these days. I smiled. Thank you!”
“Bless you guys. I love this!”
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Their neighbors actually looking forward to seeing what creative costume the pair dress up in each day. They started as dinosaurs, moved on to bunnies, became ballerinas in tutus, then clowns, cows, lumberjacks, bananas, lions pirates, rainbows and even graduates.
The snorkeler with a shark costume theme was much loved, as was the chef with her pizza. The 90s rappers drew laughs, too.
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Flannery had no idea her initiative would go viral, but she’s thrilled she helped brighten people’s day.
“Oh. My. Goodness. I did NOT expect for this to blow up like it did. Thank you for all your kind words!!! I’m speechless and that NEVER happens.”
You can keep tabs on Riley and Flannery’s next round of costumes by following them on Instagram. How fun are they?
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