On Saturday, Sept. 8, Mattson Lower Harbor Park will be going to the dogs.

The seventh annual “Strut Your Mutt” Charity Walk for Homeless Pets, in support of the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter, will feature vendors, contests and prizes following the main event.

“It’s a really community-oriented event and everyone has a good time,” said UPAWS shelter manager Lareina VanStrien,
To register for the event, UPAWS offers two options: filling out a traditional form or registering online. Both options are quick and easy, and only cost $20 for adults and $10 for youths.

The entry fee includes a free bandanna for each registered dog and a free goodie bag for each registered person. Those interested in participating without a dog are encouraged to walk in honor of a pet, or on behalf of all animals.

The entry fees aren’t the only source of money contributed toward UPAWS from the walk. The fundraiser also collects pledges from participants. UPAWS offers both online and offline options for raising pledges.

The online method involves creating a “fundraising page,” which can include pictures, biographies, and other information.

Offline pledge-raising can be done by writing down pledges on a form included with the registration papers. Both methods include the possibility of winning prizes for raising certain amounts in pledges.

There are other ways to contribute than collecting pledges, VanStrien said.

“Some people ask their family and friends [for pledges], and others run lemonade stands or yard sales, but everyone who participates in the walk typically raises pledges or contributes in some other way,” she said.

The walk itself will take place at 10 a.m., rain or shine. The “Strut Your Mutt” Charity Walk promises to bring Marquette’s animal lovers together to raise money for a worthy cause. While doing so, they’ll have the opportunity to meet other dogs and dog owners.

UPAWS will host a number of post-walk activities, including a contest for best costume, as well as vendor businesses, service booths and raffles.

Vendors include Invisible Fence of the U.P., Angie’s Pet Salon & Spa, Brigette’s Mutt Kutz, Pet Stop Grooming and others.
For more information, call UPAWS at (906)475-6661 or register online at www.upaws.org.