Lake Humane Society’s Mutt Strut on the move

Event to be held at Lake Farmpark on a Sunday this year

Lake Humane Society had to find a new spot for one of its most “pup”-ular events this year..

Lake Humane Society had to find a new spot for one of its most “pup”-ular events this year.

The old venue — Penitentiary Glen — now serves as a nature park. But that’s OK with the Mutt Strut organizers.

“Mutt Strut has been going on for 23 years now,” Event Coordinator Anna Marie Velazquez said. “Any event that has such a long history needs a little change after a while.”

This year, Mutt Strut will step out at Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 27. Admission is free and guests can enjoy

“With a new venue, new date, additional canine contests, vendors and rescue groups, we know that this will be the best and biggest Mutt Strut yet.” — Event Coordinator Anna Marie Velazquez

the one-mile walk, canine contests, raffles, adoptable dogs, demonstrations, agility course, shopping in the Mutt Mall, and celebrity guests including JD the Kirtland Police K-9 and Cat Casey from Cougar 93.7.

“With a new venue, new date, additional canine contests, vendors and rescue groups, we know that this will be the best and biggest Mutt Strut yet,” Velazquez said.

“We felt like the Farmpark was the perfect venue not only for the space, but also because it is a great family venue and a fantastic organization. In addition, it is our hopes that moving the event later in August and on a Sunday will result in higher attendance. We know that with school, work, sports and so much more going on, schedules can be hectic, but we hope this date change will make it easier on schedules and allow for even more community members to attend Mutt Strut.”

Farmpark officials are happy to accommodate.

“We’ve always been supportive of Lake Humane Society,” Farmpark Event Manager Andy McGovern said. “We have a great partnership.”

The purpose of Mutt Strut is not only to raise money for the homeless animals of Lake County, but also to bring the community together, promote adoption as the best option, to celebrate those who have adopted and to “just have a dog-gone good time,” she added.

Lake Humane Society, along with over 10 other rescue partners, will have a variety of adoptable dogs available for adoption at the event. They will strut their stuff during Project Ruffway at 10:45 a.m.

“It is our hope to find loving homes for at least 25 animals at Mutt Strut this year,” Velazquez said.

Anyone is welcome to walk with or without a dog in the mile walk. Funds are raised by those who choose to collect pledges for the walk.

Those wishing to participate in fundraising can create a personalized online fundraising page using First Giving, or they can print a pledge form and collect pledges.

Attendees who raise or donate at least $35 will receive a complimentary Mutt Strut T-shirt and a bandana for their pooch, while supplies last. A variety of prizes will be awarded, depending on what level of funds they reach.

“As a nonprofit organization, LHS runs solely on donations and relies on the support of their community in order to continue their lifesaving work,” Velazquez said. “All proceeds benefit Lake Humane Society and the homeless pets of Lake County.

The Mutt Strut is presented by Ganley Subaru East.