Get ready to strut your mutt.
Registration is now open for one of Cochrane & Area Humane Society’s (CAHS) biggest fundraisers, the Mutt Strut.
The annual fundraiser – now moved to June – is inviting residents and guests to bring their furry friends (cats welcome too) to strut along the river pathways, while enjoying the market with pet portraits, doggie pampering, Tomlin trick dogs and a “stuffy” hospital to fix your child’s favourite stuffed animal.
“We moved the mutt strut to June because we thought it would be a nice way to kick off the summer,” said Jaimie Anton, the society’s fund development officer.
“It is going to be a really fun weekend.”
The fundraising goal is $35,000 with monies from the event going toward the medical and hospital costs. While the shelter is fortunate enough to have an on-site facility, there are many costs associated with rescuing animals such as medical vaccinations, surgeries and other additional costs, Anton explained.
“Every dollar helps,” Anton said.
Participants can register as individuals or as a team. Organizers ask those registered to collect pledges using the shelter’s online pledge system, then on the day of the event to bring the pledges and cash.
Registration for the mutt strut opens at 9 a.m. with the walk starting at 10 a.m., rain or shine. The market place will open at 10:30 a.m. and the event is family friendly with kids’ activities also starting at the same time.
The first 150 people to register will get T-shirts and the first 150 participants to show up at the park will receive a doggie bag full of gifts. The strut will go around Mitford Park and the pathways along the river. There is a five-kilometre loop and a one-kilometre walk for those with younger children or older dogs but organizers invite everyone to check it out.
“Even if you don’t have a pet there is something for everyone there,” Anton said.
“People can just come and walk or check the market out, plus there is a lot of free giveaways.”
For more information, go to cochranehumane.ca
