The location changed, but the mission didn’t. Over 100 dogs and their people showed up at Jackson Mine Park in Negaunee for the annual Upper Peninsula Animal Shelter’s Strut your Mutt on Saturday. Event organizers say this year’s charity walk for homeless pets raised $14,255. Along with the 1.5-mile walk on the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, the event included vendors, a bucket raffle, activities for dogs and their owners and several contests.

“It was great to see all of the dogs and people that came out to support UPAWS. Thanks to the wonderful support of our community, we were able to raise $14,255 that goes back to support the day-to-day operations of our shelter,” said Chris Danik, Strut Your Mutt Chairperson & Board Treasurer, “We got a lot of good feedback about the new date and location. People seemed to really enjoy the walk in the woods. Thank you to everyone that helped make Strut Your Mutt possible including the volunteer, planning committee, donors, and everyone that came out. If anyone has any feedback or wants to help plan next year’s Strut Your Mutt, email sym@upaws.org.”

Pictured at top left is Kate Dehlin showing off her dog pack; at top right, Duane Ray poses with his dog Lobo; and at lower left, Kathi Fosburg and her pooch Penelope smile for the camera. (Photos courtesy of Ann Brownell) At the bottom right, Cheryl Rehmann’s dog Tucker hunted for and won the best costume prize. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Rehmann)