Come strut your Mutt this Saturday. Click photo above for contest rules and forms.
Treat your dog to a tail-waggin’ good time at Langus Riverfront Park, Saturday, Aug. 8. Start by joining the 5K-9 Fun Run and stay for pet promenade, vendors, contests and more at Mutt Strut.
Fetch the finish line at the 5K-9 Fun Run: 9-10 a.m.
Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.; Awards at 9:45 a.m.
Keep pace with your canine friend as you move along the scenic Riverfront Trail with other dog lovers during this timed, 5K jaunt. Spot waterfowl and song birds, boaters, and mountain and city views as you run. First-place winners in four categories earn prizes: man, woman, child (5-17) and senior. People of all ages and abilities are welcome, including those without pets. All breeds of licensed, vaccinated dogs may join in.
Dogs must wear non-retractable leashes and behave well. Receive a tote bag with your $10 registration. Children under five may ride or run along for free. For advance electronic registration, go to http://signmeup.everettwa.gov, and search 87771. Participants who wish to register day-of must arrive by 8:30 a.m.
Show your canine pride at Mutt Strut: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Microchip Clinic 10 a.m. to noon (or up to 200 pets)
Proudly promenade with your pup during a gentle community dog walk along the Riverfront Trail. That’s just the beginning of the fun at this barkingly popular event!
“It’s a great event for dog people and dogs,” Dee Cordell, Everett Animal Shelter operations director, said. “The dog walk itself is a lot of fun, and there are really cool free services and vendors selling products you won’t find in big stores.”
Pet owners can line up to get their dogs (or cats) micro-chipped for free and take the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizenship Test. The micro-chipping, and good citizenship test, is for Snohomish county residents only.
Implanted microchips help owners and lost pets to reunite quickly, reducing stress on shelters, the animals and their loving owners, Cordell said. She adds that the Canine Good Citizenship Test helps owners identify potential problem behaviors and work with their dogs for better long-term socialization.
“Dogs who pass the test get certificates that say they have the skills to be good citizens. It’s helpful in getting home owner’s and rental insurance in some situations and it’s just good to know when you’re taking your pet out in public,” Cordell said.
Recognized as the gold standard for dog behavior, the AKC citizenship test takes about 20 minutes. To learn more about the test, visit the AKC’s website.
All well-behaved pets, certified or not, are invited to compete in Mutt Strut races and contests. Show off your pup’s bark, style, smarts, discipline and athleticism – he or she may win a prize.
Rover Run Race categories are:
• Big Dog Derby
• Dachshund Dash
• Pug Chug
• Tea Cup Trot
Pet Showcase challenges include:
• Toilet Paper Leash Obstacle Course
• Best Two-legged Walk
• Longest Held Treat on Nose
• Famous Dog Look Alike
• Catching
• Most Barks in 20 Seconds
• Musical Sit
• Hurdle Jump
• Most Tricks in 45 Seconds
• Best Dressed Dog
Even pet-free attendees can enjoy a laugh watching the events. Would-be pet owners may even find furry pals among the Mutt Strut vendors. Several agencies will have pets available for adoption, and the Everett Animal Shelter is a short walk, or drive, down the street from the park.
The Shelter and Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital are Mutt Strut co-sponsors. Micro-chipping and the Canine Good Citizenship Test are sponsored and funded by the Snohomish County Auditor’s Office, Snohomish County Animal Advisory Board and the Snohomish County Animal Benefit Bequest Fund.
For a detailed Mutt Strut event schedule, contest rules or a registration link, please visit everettwa.gov/MuttStrut
August 5, 2015
Events in Everett, Everett, Everett Government