Wendy pride.

I took Wendy to the Halifax Pride parade two weeks ago.  I saw it as a good opportunity to see how she would behave in crowds.

And the parade certainly does attract big, happy, diverse crowds.

Wendy took everything in stride -- sitting where I put her -- and staying there.

When I plunked her in the middle of an empty intersection, and walked away to see what she'd do, the results were quite amusing.  People would walk by, and start looking all over to see where the owner was.  One lady, as she walked by Wendy, gently stroked the top of her head, and still Wendy didn't budge.   She made me really proud.

But I wasn't done with her yet.

I'd find different places to put her in a "sit, stay" and then keep an eye on her from a safe distance.

Meanwhile the wonderful, joyous Pride parade rolled on by.

I was pleased to see floats and marchers representing our major political parties, police forces, banks, and businesses.   The Parade definitely seems to have gone "mainstream".

The feeling of joy and inclusiveness was palpable.

And Wendy continued to make me proud.  

 I wonder what she made of the events of the day ?   

I certainly enjoyed myself.

Still, it's a pity that only on one day of the year, can a loving couple safely walk hand-in-hand down a public street, without fear of reprisal.

It seems that humans, unlike Wendy, still have some learning to do.