Strutt Your Mutt for the humane society
New name, location for fifth annual fundraiser with $25K goal
The Peterborough Humane Society is asking residents to strut their mutts next month to help out the shelter.
Strutt Your Mutt is happening at Beavermead Park on September 24.
It’s the fifth year the Humane Society has held the event, but it’s taken on a new name and a new location this year. Last year it was at Nicholls Oval Park.
Organizers are also reaching for the stars with this year’s goal, aiming for $25,000.
Sites were set higher this year as the number of animals in need continues to grow.
In 2016, the society helped about 1,600 furry, feathered and scaled friends.
It’s expecting to see nearly double that amount this year – and that’s a costly affair, said Susan Dunkley, the society’s manager of development and outreach.
The society not only looks after animals that end up for adoption, but they also care for animals seized during OSPCA investigations.
The Humane Society’s only source of funding is the money it receives from selling licences for cats and dogs for the city.
That means they rely heavily on the generosity of the community through fundraising efforts.
And the more money the shelter has in the bank, the more they can do for the animals.
“While we would never ever have an animal do without, it does just mean that we can provide the very best care possible,” said Dunkley.
Strutt Your Mutt runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Beavermead and registration for strutters starts at 10 a.m.
Walks will be around the park and participants can do either a 1 or 2.5 kilometre route.
Dogs should be licensed, leashed (on a non-retractable leash), have up-to-date shots and be comfortable with crowds.
There’ll also be other events happening in addition to the walk, such as live music, tons of vendors and booths, face painting, games for dogs, a $20 microchip clinic, and performances by Fly Dogs.
For those who don’t have a dog to strut or can’t walk in the event, Dunkley encourages you to pledge a walker who’s already signed up. (Donations come with a tax receipt, too).
NOTE: For more information, visit the Peterborough Humane Society’s website at www.peterboroughhumanesociety.ca