Christ Yoder
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Dog lovers and their canine companions gathered at Lake Metroparks Farmpark on August 28 for the 28th annual Lake Protection Society Mutt Strut.
The society is funded entirely by donations and the Mutt Strut is one of its most important fundraising events, explained event coordinator Cristy Aul.
“Our mission at the Lake Humane Society is to connect pets and people through outreach and education, and this is certainly an event that is representative of that,” said Chief Marketing Officer, Lori Caszatt.
In addition to making donations to the Humane Society, people visiting the free event were able to browse vendors’ products and meet dogs for adoption. They could also bring their pets to show tricks, splash around in pools, participate in an ice cream eating contest and more.
“We have two rescue dogs and our daughter loves dogs, so we wanted to show our support,” said event attendee Katie Orlando.
One of his dogs took part in the Dog Lovers Days Lure Course, which was operated by Mark Gross. When he pressed a button, a small white decoy moved rapidly along a track. The dogs then raced around the track, chasing the lure and jumping over obstacles.
Gross and his team are from northern Ontario, but he said they take the course to about 90 events each year in the United States and Canada.
Dogs could also test their skills on a “FUNgility course” provided by Dig Pet Training and Care Dogs. Dr. Paul Ramsey from Euclid Animal Medical Center gave demonstrations on caring for senior pets; Companions of the Cold Nose discussed obedience training; and Officer Bill Mackey of the Mentor Police Department brought his K9 Bak, as shown on the event website.
Pets were also able to participate in the event’s canine competitions. As shown on Mutt Strut’s program, they were judged on their eyes, friendliness, costume, tail, tricks, smiles, resemblance to their owners, and ability to empty a cup of ice cream in the shortest possible time. time limit.
Vendors lined the Mutt Mall, while Aul noted that the Rescue Row gave attendees the chance to adopt pets or learn about human society, Cleveland Animal Protection League, rescue village, Underground Dobermann and Muttley Crue.
The Cleveland PLA brought two puppies, the Reese brothers and Snickers.
“Last time we were here in 2019, I brought four puppies and they were all adopted before the event was over, so that was awesome,” said Cleveland APL adoption counselor Bridget Thomas.
Aul said, “We really enjoy, you know, the joy of what our mission is really about, and that is bringing animals into homes.”
Caszatt added that in addition to Humane Society staff, a committee of volunteers was essential to the planning of the Mutt Strut.
“It’s amazing,” said Emily Blauman, who has volunteered with the society for 10 years and served on the volunteer committee for five years. “We have a group of committee members who have been doing this for a long time.”
The company encouraged people to contribute ahead of the event, whether by going door-to-door, contributing online or donating at the door. Funds were also raised through a raffle and dog shows.
Top donors were recognized on stage, with the top donor selecting the dog to be used in Mutt Strut marketing materials next year.
They also got support from event sponsors, Caszatt noted.
The Mutt Strut was presented by Ken GanleySubaru of Wickcliffe. Additional sponsors included Ken Ganley Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram-Fiat of Painesville, The Max Apparel and Promotional Marketing and the event’s media sponsor, The News-Herald.
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