To the Journal editor:

The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter’s ninth annual Strut Your Mutt 2014 Charity Walk for Homeless Animals held Sept. 6 at Mattson Lower Harbor Park was a huge success, raising $22,900 thanks to the outstanding support from our wonderful community.

Dogs and their people pals enjoyed a warm, sunny morning of socializing, food, contests, games, exercise and “dog-gone” fun!

All the money raised goes to help UPAWS sheltered pets find new loving homes.

A big thank you for the outstanding work done by every single person who registered, raised pledges and/or donated pledges for event! The power and compassion of our community is amazing!

A huge thank you to all the hardworking volunteers who help make this a successful event. A special thank you to volunteers Karen Rhodes, the Kinnunens (Ashley, Rene and Jim) and Lea Casper who put in many hours of volunteer time for the event.

Without the support of our community UPAWS would not be able to do all it does for our homeless animals who cannot speak for themselves.

A heartfelt thank you from us and from them.

Ann Brownell, chairperson

Strut Your Mutt 2014