Dearborn Animal Shelter’s Mutt Strut May 15-16
Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 16 that’s when Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter’s 5th annual Mutt Strut and Pet Expo will take place, rain or shine at Dearborn’s Ford Field Park. The event is staged in downtown West Dearborn and is sponsored by Dearborn Family Pet Care.
Themed “Fit, furry, fabulous and five,” this year’s free event has been expanded to two days of activities for animal lovers, pet owners and families promoting the health of pets and their people.
“We expanded from one day to two because our past attendees clamored for more,” said Elaine Greene, Friends executive director. “This year we have so many activities that we just had to add a second day.”
Why the fitness push? “It’s simple!” Greene says: “Everyone, including Prevention Magazine, knows your dog is your best workout buddy so we’re using this venue to encourage dogs and their owners to get moving.”
Mutt Strutters, supporters and friends will step out in style and wind their way through the heart of the west Dearborn business district on a two-mile walk. The walking course ends back at Ford Field where everyone can participate in and enjoy activities and entertainment such as:
• Chihuahua Reunion, featuring the dogs rescued last August, and their new loving families
• Former Detroit Tiger Milt Wilcox and his Ultimate Air Dogs
• JunkYardDogs, a rescue dog organization demonstrating fly ball racing and agility activities
• Fur Angels, featuring “Reading with the Angels,” a special story hour for families, kids and pets to enjoy some quiet time while a Fur Angel reads aloud
• Doggie Dash DeLure, a luring-style race for family pets to find the fastest dog
• Doggie Health Zone sponsored by Petco and a Midway of vendors with pet related items
• Fido’s Fit Club, an online and on-site support group to encourage people and pet weight loss and fitness
• Saturday night singles event called Must Love Dogs, in partnership with Buffalo Wild Wings
In addition to the fun and festivities, Mutt Strut participants gather pledges to benefit the Shelter. Last year, this event raised nearly $85,000 for Shelter operations and finding “forever homes” for its adoptable pets.
Leash up your dog and walk with an anticipated crowd of more than 2,000 supporters and walkers. Mutt Strutters can build their own pledge pages online. It’s an easy way to post your photos, help friends and family pledge 24/7 and of course, talk about your 4-legged friend. Register to participate or pledge at www.dearbornmuttstrut.com , or by calling 313-943-2697.