To most of us, our dogs are among the greatest heroes we know. We would do anything for them, and rightfully so, they are so bent on doing whatever pleases us most. Next weekend, on Saturday, August 25th, the most ardent dog lovers in our midst will honor a whole phalanx of other heroes in our lives…the first responders, the military, and those who affect rescues of all types including of endangered or homeless animals.
Animal Aid organizers invite everyone to meet the heroes among us that Saturday, as they host their Annual Mutt March which rushes into St. Joseph with this year’s theme “Rescue to Rescue: Honoring Rescue, Law Enforcement and Military.”
You and your dogs are invited to a fun fundraiser at Lake Bluff Park from 11am to 1pm. Animal Aid has assisted homeless, abandoned dogs and cats in our region since its inception 38 years ago in 1980. It is the oldest all-volunteer, non-profit animal rescue group in Berrien County. Walkers and their pets are encouraged to dress in costume with judging taking place at noon at the Registration Booth.
Animal Aid welcomes participation by St. Joseph Fire Department and other area law enforcement and rescue, military groups. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department with their drug-sniffing dog is certain to draw a crowd, and, as always, many partner rescue organizations will have foster dogs and cats on site. There will be kids’ games, displays, animal exhibits, local vendors and service groups.
Local rescue groups, pet-related businesses and other supporters’ booths will line the bluff south of the intersection of Broad Street & Lake Boulevard, left of the stairs to the beach. Pets other than dogs are welcome as long as they are of a friendly dispostion.
Participants include:
- Animal Aid
- Nickerson Animal Health Center (offering $25 microchipping)
- Berrien County Animal Control
- Martin’s Paw Mart
- Berrien County Kennel Club
- Mutterly Love
- Seven Star Sanctuary
- Paws of Hope
- Dream Paws
- Jennifer Christman Kruger (Norwex products)
- SNAP of Southwestern Michigan
Animal Aid extends sincere thanks to their Mutt March sponsors including:
- Third Coast Paddling
- Honor Credit Union
- Jimmy Johns
- Nickerson Animal Health Center
- Mike Young Storage
- Marketing Partners
- LeValley Chevrolet Buick GMC
- St. Joseph Animal Wellness Center
- Sunset Coast Veterinary Clinic
- Appreciation to The Candlestick Maker for donating the prize for the costume contest.
It’s your chance to join other animal-lovers and help as many adoptable dogs as possible get their forever homes. Please note there is no rain date, and the event will be postponed if it rains that day. If that is the case, Animal Aid encourages you to check their Facebook fan page for an update that day. Pledge forms are available at the Registration Table and online. Simply collect donations or you may make a donation yourself in addition to the $10 entry fee (which includes a Wag Bag while supplies last). Military and veterans walk free. Even if you are unable to attend, donations are accepted online or at Box 217, 717 St. Joseph Drive, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
Animal Aid is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal organization. You can see their pets at www.animalaidswmi.com and on Facebook/Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan. Phone 269-934-SPAY. Foster parents and volunteers are always needed, and they ask you to consider joining in helping the animals.
The accompanying photo here on Moody on the Market from the 2017 Mutt March is courtesy of Animal Aid.
