Freida the Dachshund Returns to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

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After a 13-year hiatus, one iconic dachshund is about to take her W-A-L-K down the streets of Manhattan for the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade​​®️. 

Freida the Dachshund, the historic balloon, has been on and off the Parade route since her debut in 1949. Yes, this makes her a pretty old dog. But now, with the support of The Farmer’s Dog in partnership with Macy’s, this senior is back on her feet and so energetic she’s literally floating. It’s a testament to what proper care and a whole lot of love can do for our best friends.

Freida the Dachshund goes from sketch to larger-than-life hound 

Reimagining Freida was no small feat. “Like all of our Parade balloons, Freida was first sketched by hand before she was converted into a 3D model for our balloon technicians to visualize the construction process,” Brendan Kennedy, director of creative production at Macy’s Studio, told Digest. After that, “Each piece of fabric was heat-sealed and then painted to prepare Freida for her return to the Parade.”

Unlike traditional helium-filled character balloons like Snoopy, Freida is what’s known as a “balloonicle”—a balloon filled with cold air and propelled by a drivable vehicle. As Kennedy notes, this design “allows Parade performers to either pilot or perform within these special units,” making Freida an interactive part of the spectacle. While the original Freida took 24 people to make its way through the city, this one will take around 15. And she’s one long dog at an impressive 22 feet from nose to tail.

How did Freida get her name? Kennedy shared that the original iteration of the balloon was referred to as the “dachshund balloon.” She became Freida when she appeared at the 77th Parade in 2003. The name was a tribute to a real-life dachshund who belonged to a Macy’s Studio employee. Now, it just fits. 

Freida’s Friends adoption initiative: celebrating seniors in November 

Freida’s return inspired The Farmer’s Dog to do something extra for seniors this November, which happens to be Adopt a Senior Dog Month. We’re launching Freida’s Friends, a new adoption initiative designed to help older dogs find their forever homes.

In partnership with select shelters, adoptable senior dogs will be outfitted in Freida-themed bandanas (like the one Freida herself will wear during the Parade, albeit a bit smaller). Anyone who adopts one of Freida’s Friends through the end of November will receive a free first box of The Farmer’s Dog, $300 in credits, and their very own Freida bandana. Full Terms and Conditions are below, and you can find participating organizations here: 


We will update this list through Thanksgiving as more rescues sign on, so be sure to check back.

Senior dogs get overlooked at shelters more than younger dogs, but they have a lot of love to give. They’re often already house-trained, and past the chaotic puppy phase. With care and proper nutrition that supports healthier aging, senior dogs can thrive for years to come.

This Thanksgiving, help us celebrate Freida—and all the senior dogs who brighten our days when we see them parading by.

Audiences nationwide can watch the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade only on the official telecast on NBC and Peacock, broadcast starting at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones.  To follow and participate in the excitement, check out @macys on various social platforms and follow #MacysParade. For more information, visit macys.com/parade. 

Terms & Conditions For Freida’s Friend’s Adoption Initiative

Anyone who begins or finalizes an adoption process for a senior dog with one of the listed partners between 11/10/2025 and 11/30/2025 and begins their trial for their new dog by 12/8/2025 at 11:59PM EST will be eligible to receive a free first box of The Farmer’s Dog and $300 in credits towards future orders. 

$300 credit is available to both current customers and new subscribers. Free box is only available to new subscribers. 

How to Redeem: Once you have applied to adopt a dog and have been approved by the organizations, they will send you specific information on how to redeem the free trial and $300 credit.

All adopters – current customers enrolled in a subscription, customers who previously had a subscription with The Farmer’s Dog and new subscribers – should email adoptions@thefarmersdog.com to confirm their adoption and redeem this offer. Offer limited to one offer per customer. 

What if my adoption isn’t final during the Freida’s Friends adoption event? We know that adoptions can take time! Anyone who starts the process and begins an active subscription by 12/8 can take advantage of this offer. 

  • Every Last One Rescue — 101 Wall Street, 14c, New York, NY 10005
  • Second Chance Rescue — PO Box 570701, Whitestone, NY 11357

Sponsor: This offer is sponsored by The Farmer’s Dog, Inc. 

Questions: Contact adoptions@thefarmersdog.com for questions.Eligibility: Offer only redeemable from November 10, 2025 at 12:00am ET to November 30, 2025 at 11:59pm ET. $300 and free box offer available to new customers in the contiguous 48 United States only, and requires subscription that automatically renews at full price after free box, to which $300 of credits can be applied. Subscription can be canceled, paused, or rescheduled anytime. Existing customers with an active subscription may redeem offer to receive credit, but not free box. Offer valid while supplies last. Limited quantities apply. Limit one per household; Offer applies to The Farmer’s Dog fresh food products only, not to applicable taxes, shipping & handling charges. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers, credits or discounts. Offer is non-transferable and not valid for cash or cash equivalent. No adjustments on previous purchases. The Farmer’s Dog reserves the right to confirm adoption with partner organization, and to modify, terminate or cancel the offer at any time. Credit must be redeemed within twelve (12) months of receipt of Offer. Once credit is used per this Offer, the customer profile will remain the main account holder’s responsibility. For complete terms and conditions, please visit https://ift.tt/AulPX90. For inquiries, contact adoptions@thefarmersdog.com.


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