A century of life lived is more than any of us could hope for. 

And for one man, his 100th birthday came with its own set of problems – an 11-year long battle with Alzheimer’s. 

So when it came time for his daughter to plan his big celebration, she knew it needed to be one that had her father’s favorite thing – dogs.

“He just love, love, loves dogs,” Alison Moore said.

Every dog he sees, he wants to pet. He has been like that his whole life.”

Robert Moore has been unable to have his own dog, since he lives in an assisted living community. But his children and grandchildren will bring their own dogs, or borrow dogs from friends.

“Whenever anyone visits him and doesn’t bring a dog with them, you can tell he’s disappointed,” his granddaughter Caroline Moore said.

Robert Moore pets one of the more than 200 dogs that showed up for his 100th birthday party. Photo courtesy of the Moore family

Sadly, Allison said, ‘ a lot of his best friends aren’t with us anymore’, so she knew the party would have to have as many dogs as possible.

So she took to Nextdoor, a social app for neighborhoods, to ask if there were any dogs available in San Jose, Calif., for a pet parade for her father. 

“We live in a nice little community, and I thought I could get some of my neighbors and friends to come,” Alison said. She wanted to serve treats for both the dogs and their owners, and have her dad be able to see and pet the dogs.

Alison said she thought maybe 20 dogs would show. However, the morning of the party, she couldn’t believe what she found outside – more than 200 dogs had arrived, ready to meet her father.

“I was shocked,” she said. Alison said that she found out that some people had even traveled more than 10 miles to visit her dad.

Robert, she said, was extremely moved by the turnout.

“He was so overwhelmed,” she said. “He was just so sweet and talking to the kids and petting all the dogs and saying their names. It was so much fun.”

Robert said that the chance to pet that many dogs in one day was a dream come true.

“It was a special, special birthday parade because of the numbers and all the different breeds of dogs,” he said.

The dogs agreed, Alison said.

The dogs know he’s a dog guy.” 

The Moore family is grateful to the community for making their patriarch’s birthday so memorable.

A snack table is set up for the more than 200 dogs and their owners who showed up for Robert Moore’s 100th birthday celebration. Photo courtesy of the Moore family

“Everyone just couldn’t stop smiling,” Caroline said. “We were all in disbelief.”

“So many strangers showed up. Not only did they show up, but they made cards and posters, they brought him cupcakes,” she continued. “It was the most heartwarming thing ever.”

“It’s hard to explain how special it was. He really felt the birthday love,” Alison added. “They were mostly strangers… and it just made you feel wonderful about your community that people would come out and do that for your dad who you love so much.”

Watch below for a look at this amazing parade for a wonderful man!

Sources: Washington Post | People