Lufkin Goes Mutt Strutt

November 1, 2008 - November 1st was a picture-perfect day for Mutt Strutt. This annual dog walk festival and fundraiser for the Wake County Animal Care, Control and Adoption Center took place, as usual, in Raleigh’s Historic Oak View Park.

Animal shelters have been in existence for over 200 years, but this facility opened in 1998. The shelter is a local facility, and is independent of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), which is a national organization. Lufkin Road Middle School has been supporting the shelter for six years.

Enthusiastic dog lovers showed up with their “best friends” of varied breeds, sizes and coat colors. For the third time Lufkin hosted a stand at the event.

Together with well established pet organizations such as Carolina Paws, Petsmart, SPCA, and Rally to Rescue, Lufkin Road Middle National Junior Honor Society students brought dog treats and homemade cookies for pet owners to raise more money for Wake County pets. (Lufkin donated $1,000 to the shelter earlier this year.)

Both Lufkin students and parents came to the park to check out Mutt Strutt. Among the participants were Allie Heinsohn, who brought homemade doggie treats. She found the recipe online. “I love dogs, even though I do not have one,” Allie said. “I bake sometimes, but this was my first time baking dog cookies.” Her baking art did not go unnoticed.

“This was a good way to be with friends,” Allie aid. “The dog contests were especially fun. I liked the best trick category the most—when a dog put his paws on his mistress’s shoulders.”

Even though our students’ dogs did not participate in the contests, they added to the fun at the stand. Katie Lee came with her cute little dog, who got pampered quite a bit. Also, Jenna De Candio brought her family’s two dogs. Students were glad to see Ms. Amy Phillips, 7th grade counselor, make an appearance with her remarkably calm and well-mannered yellow lab mix, Sadie.

The main goal of Mutt Strutt is to create awareness of pet issues such as affordable neutering options in Wake County. As many young people care about pets, it is important that they participate in this annual festival to inform themselves early on about some of the responsibilities involved with having a pet and show their compassionate and caring side.

Thanks to Mirka Christesen of Lufkin Road Middle for this story.

-wcpss-