David Thinnes of Meridian and his fiancée, Kristen Cully, walk their dogs — Macy, Xena and Mellie — at the second annual Garrett Fifield Memorial Mutt Strut. Garrett was known for his love and commitment to animals of all species and was often referred to as the “animal whisperer.”

A memorial dog party Saturday raised more than $9,300 for the Butler County Humane Society, according to early estimates.

The second annual Garrett Fifield Memorial Mutt Strut at Alameda Park attracted more than 150 people and about 100 dogs, according to Amy Fifield and Rob Hiles Jr., Garrett's parents. They're still collecting and counting donations, but fundraising is already bringing in more than last year's $6,000.

“It was a good day for our hearts,” Fifield said. “We were remembering him and seeing how many lives he impacted.”

Garrett died in September of 2017 at age 15. Those who knew him knew of his deep love for animals and his unique ability to communicate with various critters. His love of animals drove his parents to launch the Mutt Strut in 2018, and his mother started working at the Humane Society the same year.

“The humane society helps me cope,” Fifield said. “They rally around me and support me and remind me how proud Garrett would be to see me.”

Fifield and Hiles planned last year's inaugural event for June because it's the month of Garrett's birth. They saw it as a positive way to carry their family through a difficult time each year.

This year, that goal widened. Other families who have lost loved ones and established memorials with the humane society were included and attended. They switched their official theme from last year's “Live for G” to the more inclusive “A beautiful soul is never forgotten.”

“It was really important for my husband and me to include other families,” Amy said. “It's so hard to move forward without our loved ones.”The humane society's executive director, Jennifer DiCuccio, said that Fifield has been a welcome addition to the shelter. Many in the local animal community miss Garrett, she said.“He was often referred to as the animal whisperer,” DiCuccio said.Debbie Aglio, assistant executive director, said some of the money raised will likely help fund a program known as Dogs Playing For Life. It's a training program that helps shelter workers develop dog play groups to socialize animals that would otherwise be difficult to get adopted.Saturday's event included a group dog walk, peanut butter eating competition and longest tail contest. Fifield said the hairiest dog competition, judged with lint brushes, proved to be a crowd-pleaser.

Garrett Fifield