21st Annual Strut Your Mutt Charity Walk Scheduled for October 3

MARQUETTE, Mich. — The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS) will host the 21st annual Strut Your Mutt Charity Walk on October 3 at Mattson Lower Harbor Park. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., with the walk starting at 10 a.m. Participants can register for $20 online or in-person at the event until September 25, after which some may be chosen as ‘Leader of the Pack’ to kick off the walk.

Nicole Dewald Swenson, fundraising coordinator for UPAWS, encourages participants to seek pledges from family and friends to support the cause. Although having a dog is not mandatory to join, it is a central theme of the event. Proceeds from the walk will fund essential supplies and resources for homeless animals in UPAWS’ care.

The event will also offer refreshments for attendees and their pets, as well as costume and trick contests, with prizes for the top three fundraisers in youth and adult categories. Every registered walker will receive a goodie bag and a Strut bandana for their dog.

Additionally, a Memorial Walk will be held, enabling participants to honor pets that have passed away. For a $60 fee, a customized rainbow bridge sign will be created, and participants may renew each year for $30.

Dewald Swenson highlighted that the event not only raises funds but fosters connections within the community, emphasizing that attendees will have the chance to meet UPAWS staff and volunteers who manage shelter operations. For further information, interested parties can contact UPAWS at 906-869-4054 or via email at [email protected].