Detroit Lions quarterback Drew Stanton cheers on his dog at last year’s event during the Doggie Dash DeLure competition.
A family enjoys a refreshing moment together after the 1.8-mile dog walk that starts and finishes at Ford Field in Dearborn.
DEARBORN — Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter’s sixth annual Mutt Strut and Pet Expo will stress recycling and biodegradable pet items this year. The event will take place 10 a.m to 3 p.m. May 14 and 15 at Ford Field.
FFDAS will partner with Republic Services to provide separate recycling and waste containers as well as biodegradable pet waste bags.
“This year it is important that we continue sharing the message of being good stewards of our environment and our companion animals,” FFDAS Executive Director Elaine Greene said. “It is part of our daily commitment at the shelter as we continue to find ways to recycle, compost and do our part to be responsible community members.”
The pledge-driven dog walk and community-wide animal celebration will feature activities for pet owners, animal lovers and families.
The walk signals the start of the event at 9 a.m. May 14 at Ford Field. More than an expected 3,000 dog walkers and supporters will wind their way nearly two miles through the heart of the west Dearborn business district. The walk ends at Ford Field where the public is invited to participate in activities including:
• Chihuahua Reunion, featuring the dogs rescued in August 2009, and their new loving families.
• Arts & Scraps Mobile, taking recycled items and turning them into unique pet toys.
• Former Detroit Tigers Milt Wilcox and his Ultimate Air Dogs.
• Doggie Dash DeLure, a luring-style race for family pets to find the fastest dog.
• People Health Zone sponsored by Oakwood Healthcare.
• Doggie Health Zone, featuring a low-cost microchip clinic.
• Midway of local and eco-friendly vendors with pet-related items.
In addition, participants are invited to gather pledges for the Dearborn Animal Shelter. Participants can build their own pledge pages online. To register to participate or pledge, call (313) 943-2697 or go to www.dearbornmuttstrut.com.
Last year, the event raised almost $90,000 for shelter operations and finding “forever homes” for its adoptable pets. Almost $250,000 has been raised over the first five years of the event benefiting more than 12,500 rescues.
Mutt Strut is sponsored by Dearborn Family Pet Care.
FFDAS is dedicated to the rescue and protection of animals in the community, while stressing healthy relationships between people and their companion animals. The shelter is at 2661 Greenfield. For more information, go to www.DearbornAnimals.org.