DEARBORN, Mich. — Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter (Friends) today announced its sixth annual Mutt Strut and Pet Expo will take place, rain or shine, on Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15. The event is staged in downtown West Dearborn and is sponsored by Dearborn Family Pet Care.
Detroit Lion's quarterback, Drew Stanton cheers on his "Mutt" at last year's event during a fun competition in Doggie Dash DeLure.
Carrying forward with the Friends theme this year to focus on Sustainability and Green, this year’s free event celebrates the ultimate in recycling, that of saving a life through rescued animal adoption. The two-day event features activities for all animal lovers, pet owners and families promoting the health of pets and their people. Partnering with Republic Services, the event will utilize separate recycling and waste containers as well as bio-degradable pet waste bags on-site. Friends Executive Director Elaine Greene explains, “This year it is important that we continue sharing the message of being good stewards of our environment and our companion animals. It is part of our daily commitment at the shelter as we continue to find ways to recycle, compost and do our part to be responsible community members.”
A family enjoys a refreshing moment together after the 1.8 Mile Dog Walk that starts and finishes at Ford Field in Dearborn.
Mutt Strut & Pet Expo is a pledge-driven dog walk and community-wide animal celebration. Mutt Strutters, supporters and friends will begin the Saturday walk at Dearborn’s Ford Field Park and wind their way through the heart of the west Dearborn business district on a nearly two-mile walk. The course ends back at Ford Field where everyone can participate in and enjoy activities and entertainment like:
- Chihuahua Reunion, featuring the dogs rescued in August 2009, and their new loving families
- Arts & Scraps Mobile, taking recycled items and turning them into unique pet toys
- Former Detroit Tiger Milt Wilcox and his Ultimate Air Dogs
- Doggie Dash DeLure, a luring-style race for family pets to find the fastest dog
- People Health Zone sponsored by Oakwood Healthcare
- Doggie Health Zone, featuring a low-cost microchip clinic
- Midway of local and eco-friendly vendors with pet-related items
In addition to the fun and festivities, Mutt Strut participants gather pledges to benefit the Dearborn Animal Shelter. Last year, this event raised nearly $90,000 for shelter operations and finding “forever homes” for its adoptable pets. During the first five years, Mutt Strut supporters have raised over $250,000, directly benefiting more than 12,500 rescues.
Local and eco-friendly businesses will be featured in the Midway of Vendors on Saturday and Sunday.
Leash up your dog and walk with an anticipated crowd of more than 3,000 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.
About The Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter
The Friends are dedicated to the rescue and protection of animals in the community, while inspiring healthy relationships between people and their companion animals. Visit the site to donate online or call the Dearborn Animal Shelter at 313-943-2697. The shelter is located at 2661 Greenfield Road in Dearborn. More online at www.DearbornAnimals.org.