SALT LAKE CITY – Utahns gathered at a park Saturday for a dog walk event that raises funds for animal shelters and rescues, and the festival featured activities with a canine theme, food, walks, runs and even a beer garden.
The Best Friends Animal Society Strut Your Mutt event was back for its 19th year Saturday, and Liberty Park was filled with people and their pets.
According to a press release from event organizers, Strut Your Mutt allows people to fundraise in advance and then celebrate together with a community festival.
The event began at 10 a.m. and included a 3-mile fun run and 3-mile and 1.5-mile walks. There were also contests, a pet psychic, food trucks, music and other activities.
Temma Martin, Best Friends Animal Society, said the event benefits many shelters.
“It’s very exciting,” Martin said. “Nationally, we have a two million-dollar fundraising goal, and we are benefiting 251 different shelters and rescue groups across the country.”
Martin said they estimate about 2,500 people attended the event this year in Salt Lake City, and she said similar events were held in 12 cities nationwide.
According to Strut Your Mutt’s website, Salt Lake City’s goal is $250,000. The website indicated as of about 7 p.m. Saturday that $144,385.64 had been raised. Click here to visit the website for more details and updated information regarding the fundraising effort.
