Strut Your Mutt in Salt Lake City

Homeless pets around the Salt Lake City metro area are feeling the love after some 2,400 Utahans and 1,800 dogs strutted together, played together and saved lives together at Best Friends Animal Society’s Strut Your Mutt, presented by BOBS from Skechers.

Support is still pouring in, but so far these amazing participants have generated more than $225,000 for the 22 participating local rescue groups and shelters. The top fundraising group, Community Animal Welfare Society (CAWS), raised more than $35,000 for its work.

But this was no ordinary Strut Your Mutt — if there even is such a thing. This year marked the 20th event held in Salt Lake City — a milestone in Best Friends’ work to bring rescue groups, shelters and caring individuals together for a common cause.

"Strut Your Mutt was one person’s brainchild, first occurring at Trolley Square on a rainy day,” says Arlyn Bradshaw, executive director for Best Friends–Utah. “Now, at our 20th Salt Lake City event, all of us benefit and countless lives are saved, through an opportunity to come together and support the work of our No-Kill Utah Coalition members and Best Friends Animal Society.”

That one person who started it all, of course, was Julie Castle, Best Friends’ chief development and marketing officer. At this latest event, Arlyn and the rest of the Best Friends staff surprised her with a special recognition award: an art glass sculpture engraved with the Best Friends logo, the year and her name, along with the phase "A true visionary.”

Best Friends appreciates all of the emcees, volunteers, donors, sponsors and participants who helped make this year’s Strut Your Mutt a resounding success.