Athens dog owners will parade their pooches June 2 to raise funds for the Athens County Humane Society.
The sixth annual Mutt Strut — from 3 – 5 p.m. June 2 at the West State Street Dog Park — will raise money for pet adoptions and spay-and-neuter assistance.
“The Humane Society has such a heavy message because the majority of work we do is like (advocating) for spay and neuter, dealing with adoptions and educating people about issues such as puppy mills,” said Corinne Colbert, a member of the organization’s board. “Mutt Strut is a great way to lighten things up by doing something fun for dogs and their owners.”
This “dog party” will include a pack walk, various contests such as best trick, most original name and dog-owner look-alike, games, face painting, vendors, and more, Colbert said.
Registration costs $15, which includes a T-shirt and entry into all contests.
The Humane Society’s goal, Colbert said, is to draw at least 100 participants.
“We are currently facing hard times and as a result, many people are having to give up their animals because they can’t afford to provide for them,” Colbert said.
In 2010, the Humane Society reported receiving about $32,000 in contributions, half the organization’s revenue for the year, according to the society’s tax documents.
The remainder of the funds came from government fees and contracts, memberships and investment income.
Chrysten Crockett, an Ohio University senior studying public relations, views the Mutt Strut as a way to celebrate the Humane Society’s contribution to the community.
“They do so much to make sure that the animals in Athens County are safe and protected, so it’s important for our community to give back by supporting them,”
said Crockett, the account executive for the Athens County Humane Society ImPRessions account, the student-run public relations firm on campus.
Andrea Frazier contributed to this report.
sl642509@ohiou.edu
