‘Strut Your Mutt’ and raise money to help injured animals.

‘Strut Your Mutt’ and raise money to help injured animals.

WEARE TOWNSHIP – If you love dogs, don’t miss “Strut Your Mutt” Saturday, July 27, from 9-11 a.m. The event is being presented by Local Animal Shelter Support, Inc. (LASSI) and will feature a noncompetitive 5K Fun Run/Walk, a One-Mile Stroll for dog owners with their leashed pets, and additional activities for those who just want to have a fun morning celebrating dogs.

Up North Farm Market, at 3890 Monroe Rd., is hosting the benefit, with proceeds to support LASSI’s ongoing funding of emergency medical care for injured and severely ill dogs and cats admitted to the Oceana County Animal Shelter.

Stroll participants and event attendees bringing their leashed dogs are encouraged to dress up their pets for a best-costume contest. Awards will also be given for the smallest and largest dogs. A dog agility demonstration and a presentation on how to bike safely with your dog are on tap.

LASSI’s pet tag engraver will be on site for attendees in need of free ID tags for their pets, and Up North’s petting farm visits are free.

Registration for the 5K and the stroll is from 8:30-9 a.m. the day of the event. The fee for either activity is $25 per person and includes a T-shirt and medal. Registrants strolling with their dogs also receive a dog bandana and doggie bag. There is no charge for those who wish to attend Strut Your Mutt without participating in the 5K or stroll. Families and individuals are encouraged to participate.

Register early for the 5K or stroll to receive a preferred T-shirt size. Forms are available online at mi.lassi@yahoo.com and at Up North Farm Market.

Strut Your Mutt is replacing LASSI’s Shake, Wag ‘n’ Roll event, previously held annually in August on the Pentwater Village Green.

LASSI is an all-volunteer Michigan nonprofit group established in 2011 dedicated to helping the abandoned, abused, injured and neglected companion animals of Oceana County. LASSI is the only local animal welfare organization that works directly with the Oceana County Animal Shelter. Funds raised by LASSI are used primarily for emergency veterinary care for those animals admitted to the shelter with significant injuries or those needing treatment of a serious disease or affliction, and for certain medical exams and spay/neuter procedures.

To learn more about Strut Your Mutt, LASSI, or to make a donation, contact Anna Mize at 231-923-6563 or anna.mize73@gmail.com.