Paws in the Park, 22nd annual Mutt Strut planned for May 16 in Augusta

AUGUSTA — Kennebec Valley Humane Society will hold Paws in the Park and the 22nd annual Mutt Strut Saturday, May 16, to raise money for local animals in need of shelter, food, medical care and the second chance for a loving home. The day begins with registration for the Mutt Strut at 9 a.m. and the walk beginning at 10 a.m. at Mill Park, according to a news release from the society. Walkers and dogs will then strut down Water Street along a route marked with crossing guards and led by society volunteers and animals. Anyone interested in joining this walk can find pledge sheets online at pethavenlane.org. Local animal lovers are encouraged to use the pledge sheets to raise funds for the walk to benefit homeless animals. Following the walk the event will include demonstrations, games, and much more.

“We’re hoping that people who share our vision to help animals in need will collect pledges for the Mutt Strut from their families, friend, and neighbors.” said Hillary Roberts, the Kennebec Valley Humane Society executive director, in the release. “After our annual Mutt Strut we have an event called Paws in the Park. We’ll have a dog agility demonstration, a K-9 demonstration, a Best in Show dog pageant, dog toenail clippings, microchipping, activities for kids, prizes, food and so much more — this event truly has something for everyone. And every dollar raised by local people will help to make a difference in the lives of animals in need.” Roberts continued to say that there will be prizes awarded for the highest pledges for the Mutt Strut and other awards for dogs attending the event.

The local shelter is starting their busy season, with more dogs, cats and kittens coming through the door every day. “Spring and summer means that we’ll have more animals coming to us in need of compassionate care, and we now look to our community to help support us in our mission to care for these homeless animals” said Roberts in the release. Paws in the Park and the Mutt Strut helps to raise funds every year for the Kennebec Valley Humane Society, serving nearly 2,500 animals every year. The shelter provides a second chance for a “forever home” for abandoned or surrendered animals in 21 communities in Kennebec County.

The Mutt Strut is sponsored by Augusta Florist, Charlie’s Family of Dealerships, Camden National Bank, Darling’s, G & E Roofing, Sprague and Curtis, Tim Hortons, ACCI, Bank of Maine, Erika Bush, Windsor Veterinary Hospital and JS McCarthy Printers.

For more information about the Mutt Strut, contact Kennebec Valley Humane Society at 626-3491 or visit pethavenlane.org.


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