Mutts Strut Their Stuff
The mutts were out in force Saturday for the third annual Mutt Strut.
About 75 families participated in the event that raised more than $13,000, according to Jennifer DiCuccio, executive director of the Butler County Humane Society.
“It's $4,000 more than last year, which is pretty darn awesome, considering we're in the middle of a pandemic,” DiCuccio said.
The first Mutt Strut started in the remembrance of Garrett Fifeld, a 15-year-old who died about three years ago.“While it's a memorial to Garrett, who loved animals so much, we also through this event try to connect with other people who lost loved ones,” she said.Participants ran, walked and strutted a 2-mile loop at Butler Memorial Park, then retreated to a pavilion for food and fun.There was a costume contest, a peanut butter eating contest and even a DJ.
“Everybody was so happy,” DiCuccio said. “Happy to be there, happy to support Amy and her family and happy to be outside with their dogs.”The Mutt Strut was supposed to happen in June, but the event was postponed due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions at that time. The pandemic also canceled the Fur Ball, which was a big fundraiser for the Humane Society.DiCuccio said the Mutt Strut's funds will help offset the nearly $40,000 lost from the Fur Ball cancellation.“This has been huge,” she said. “This helps significantly.”
