Sioux Falls Area Humane Society (with permission)
Sioux Falls Area Humane Society (with permission)

Aww! See Epic Proposal During The Sioux Falls 4th of July Parade

Sioux Falls Area Humane Society (with permission)

There was a lot of big celebrations across the country for America's 250th birthday, but one Sioux Falls couple and dog had extra reasons to party.

The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society participated in the return of the July 4th Parade. Some of the Rescue Dog Recess volunteers walked adoptable dogs along the parade route when the unexpected happened.

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Sioux Falls Area Humane Society (with permission)
Sioux Falls Area Humane Society (with permission)

One of the volunteers with the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society Allen Dougherty was holding sign during the parade. At one point, Allen stopped in the middle of the parade route with had a special question to ask...the pups were hoping the answer was yes!

Sioux Falls Area Humane Society (with permission)
Sioux Falls Area Humane Society (with permission)

With the help of one of the dogs named Zach, Allen asked his girlfriend Angell Van Heerde to marry him during the 4th of July parade. And guess what? She said yes! Our friends at the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society captured the beautiful moment in a Facebook post.

I have to say, Allen Dougherty is brave and bold for getting down on one knee in front of a lot of people! And honestly, the staff Sioux Falls Area Humane Society could not be happier for Allen and his now fiancé Angell Van Heerde. I spoke with the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society and Programs Manager Lexy Nuttbrock says Allen has been involved with the organization since he moved to Sioux Falls. This proposal brought two things Allen loves together: Angell and animals.

Allen has volunteered with us for about a year and a half, but has been heavily involved in animal welfare his entire life both here in Sioux Falls and before he moved to the area. He also volunteers for other rescue agencies in and around Sioux Falls and has for as long as I can remember!

Sioux Falls Area Humane Society (with permission)
Sioux Falls Area Humane Society (with permission)

What About The Dog Zach?

Zach was one of the long-term residents at the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society and stood by Allen's side during the big moment. But Allen and Angell weren't the only ones who got a storybook ending. The very next day, Zach finally got adopted. Yay Zach!

Sioux Falls Area Humane Society (with permission)
Sioux Falls Area Humane Society (with permission)

Congratulations to Allen and Angell and Zach! Happy days indeed are shining bright for the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society!

South Dakota's Weird Exotic Animal Laws Are Amazing

Have an interesting pet or looking to get one? Check this out from South Dakota Exotic Animal Laws before you go trying to adopt one.

You will need a zoo permit to harbor a raccoon dog. That's a real species. It's a small wild dog with a black facial mask and long fur, native to the forests of Asia.

Gallery Credit: Danny V

LOOK: 10 Reasons to Visit the South Dakota Badlands

Returning from a weekend trip to Rapid City, South Dakota for state basketball tournaments we decided to visit the Badlands National Park.

A quick turn-off I-90 will take you into some of the most awe-inspiring scenery.

It's also fun to note that several big-screen movies were filmed in the Badlands. Dances With Wolves, Starship Troopers, Armageddon, and most recently, Academy Award winner, Nomadland.

It's a spectacular park with tons to do. If you're setting out on a hike, bring lots of water and sign the hikers' logs at the trailheads. It could save your life. It's a tough place to survive.

Here are 10 facts about the Badlands:

Gallery Credit: Danny V

Filed Under: Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Love, Marriage, July 4th, Pet Adoption, Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, Downtown Sioux Falls, sioux empire, 4th of july
Categories: Articles, Newsletter KIKN, News