Come celebrate the end of the dog days of summer! Dogs and their owners are invited to stroll Cape May’s Beachfront Promenade on Saturday, Sept. 23 for the 11th annual Mutt Strut. The event is truly an “every dog has its day” event – the one time each year other than winter for dogs to enjoy a walk on the Promenade.
Owners can strut with their dogs on the Promenade anytime between 8 a.m. and noon for a requested donation of $1 per leg ($2 per person, $4 per dog). Registration is required to allow dogs on the Promenade and is held near Convention Hall, Beach Avenue near Gurney Street. The rain date is Sunday, Sept. 24. Adding to the enjoyment are dog trick and dog costume contests with prizes, an auction and dog information.
The event sponsor, Cape May County Dog Obedience Training Club (CMCDOTC), an AKC affiliated club, has held local dog training classes for 40 years. Part of the event proceeds help the group’s training classes and canine community outreach activities. Walkers also support a worthwhile cause, with part of the proceeds going to the Wildwood Police Department’s K-9 Program. Help support this new program!
The Mutt Strut is held as part of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Responsible Dog Ownership Days, with over 600 events held each year. According to AKC, “This nationwide initiative educates the public about the importance of being a responsible dog owner, and celebrates the deep bond between humans and their canine companions.”
Only dogs registered for the Mutt Strut are allowed on the Promenade on Sept. 23, and only between 8 a.m. and noon. Cape May City regulations require dogs to be on a leash not more than six feet long; dogs are not allowed on the beach at this time of year, and owners must clean up after their pets. All dogs must have current rabies vaccinations. Females in heat, young puppies and aggressive dogs will all be more comfortable at home.
For more information on the Mutt Strut or dog training classes, call (609) 827-5256, email cmcdotc@comcast.net, visit www.cmcdotc.com or find us on Facebook.
Come in costume if you wish and strut with your mutt, or strut without paws and support a worthwhile cause!