Neighborhood Surprises Little Girl With Dog Parade For Her Birthday

April 24, 2020

A neighborhood in North Carolina surprised a 3-year-old girl on a her birthday with a social distancing dog parade.

Photo credit: Woody Marshall / News & Record

Elizabeth Guthrie's parents wanted to have a special birthday celebration, but they weren't sure how to make that possible.

Knowing how much Elizabeth loves dogs, they came up with a brilliant idea.

Photo credit: Woody Marshall / News & Record

The family posted a sign in their front yard stating the date and time of Elizabeth's birthday celebration.

"The gist was, 'Hey, if you're going to walk your dog anyway, would you mind just walking by our place between 5 and 5:30 and wish her a happy birthday with your pup?'" Elizabeth's father, Mike, told News & Record.

The family was shocked by the response.

Photo credit: Woody Marshall / News & Record

The neighborhood brought along a parade of dogs, all to wish 3-year-old Elizabeth a happy birthday.

By 5:15 p.m., there were 17 dogs and 41 people gathered in socially-distanced clusters on both sides of the street.

The numbers grew steadily as the minutes passed.

Photo credit: Woody Marshall / News & Record

Some people made signs for Elizabeth as they walked by. Many dressed their dogs up in cute outfits and party hats.

Photo credit: Woody Marshall / News & Record

Elizabeth's parents said this has been the most memorable birthday yet.

"I think everybody needed a pick-me-up, a little positivity," Elizabeth's mom, Mary, said. "This has been the biggest birthday of her life."