Dog owners are encouraged to bring their furry four-legged friends to Mitford Park this Saturday (Sept. 12) for the annual Mutt Strut.
The funds raised goes towards the Cochrane and Area Humane Society to help with vet clinic and medical costs and with this year’s 14th annual fundraiser, organizers hope to match last year’s proceeds of over $30,000.
“Every little bit helps,” said the Humane Society’s fund development officer Jaimie Anton. “We’ve had a number of animals lately needing extensive surgery and vet care.”
With a bigger venue, there will be approximately 20 different vendors with everything from pet products to people products, along with the Cochrane Fun Van for more family-friendly games, according to Anton.
“I think it’ll be a really fun, great family event with lots of activities,” Anton said.
Anton encourages people to bring their pets of all sizes, with a five-kilometer walk for the more energetic pets and a shorter one-kilometer walk for the smaller pets and children.
At the strut, there will also be giveaways for a variety of contests, including a most talented pooch and best-dressed canine.
Prizes include a five course chef’s dinner with wine pairing at the Bavarian Inn in Bragg Creek and a one-night stay with gourmet breakfast at the Riverside Chateau in Bragg Creek, for the top adult fundraiser prize.
“There will be lots of giveaways; photos for families with their pets taken by a professional photographer; and canine massages and pedicures,” Anton said to name a few other activities.
“We are looking forward to it.”
The first 150 people to show up will also receive a goody bag full of treats for the dogs and owners and the Jelly Modern Doughnuts food truck will also be on site throughout the day.
The Mutt Strut will begin at 10 a.m. at Mitford Park Sept. 12. Online registration closes Sept. 11, but Anton said attendees are more than welcome to register in-person the day of the walk, with check-in to start at 9 a.m.
Anyone interested to register in the Mutt Strut or looking for more information can go to cochranehumane.ca.
