Along the lake bluff in St. Joseph this weekend, foster dogs and cats will be whispering “Second star to the right and straight on to a Forever Home!” On Saturday, August 26th, Animal Aid’s Annual Mutt March soars into town with this year’s theme “Peter Pan.” (Rain date is Sunday, August 27, same time.)
Canine festivities begin at 10am along Lake Bluff Park, south of the stairs and Farmer’s Market and end at 1pm. You and your dogs are invited to this annual fundraising event, based on Animal Aid’s mission to assist at-risk, homeless, abandoned dogs and cats to the extent their resources will allow. They are a well-recognized, all-volunteer, non-profit animal rescue group here in Berrien County.
This year’s walk is dedicated to the memory of Shirley Stinson, who died back on September 18, 2016. A long-time volunteer, Shirley fostered and adopted-out many cats and was active in all of the group’s events.
Animal Aid extends a carefree welcome to everyone, with walkers and their pets encouraged to dress in costume with judging taking place at noon at the Registration Booth. Lovable Peter Pan characters from the realm provide open ideas for costumes and booth displays, and Animal Aid organizers encourage you to look for live characters onsite such as Peter, Wendy, Princess Tiger Lily, Tinkerbell and Captain Hook. The Benton Harbor Library will be present and giving away some books at noon.
Local rescue groups, pet-related businesses and other supporters will have booths along the bluff as participants in the Mutt March walk with their pets. All pets other than dogs are welcome so long as they are friendly.
Some of these year’s participating vendors include:
- Animal Aid
- Animal Care Center
- Martin’s Paw Mart
- Mutterly Love
- Seven Star Sanctuary
- Paws of Hope
- Berrien County Kennel Club
- Berrien County Animal Control
Animal Aid is thankful for the generosity of a whole host of Mutt March sponsors including:
- Berrien County Kennel Club
- FuzzyButz Pet Bakery
- Honor Credit Union
- Jimmy Johns
- LeValley Chevrolet Buick GMC
- Martin’s Paw Mart
- Mutterly Love
- St Joseph Animal Wellness Clinic
- Jennifer Christman Kruger (Norwex products)
- Animal Care Center
- Third Coast Paddling
- Sunset Coast Veterinary Clinic
Everyone is invited to join in the annual effort to gather animal-lovers, and help dogs and cats find their forever homes.
You can use a pledge form, available at the Registration Table or on the website or you can simply make a donation in addition to the $10 entry fee (which includes a complimentary Wag Bag while supplies last). Military and veterans walk free. If you are unable to attend, donations are welcome at www.animalaidswmi.com or Box 217, 717 St. Joseph Drive, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
Animal Aid is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal organization. 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.
The photo accompanying this story at Moody on the Market.com is from the 2015 event.
