newsminer.com

FAIRBANKS -- “This is intended to help make a better world for dogs by making it more fun for dog owners and their pets,” Mary Ann Fortune said of the upcoming Mutt March planned for Sunday.

The annual event, which organizer Fortune described as “fun and functional,” offers a day of fun for dogs and dog owners as well as a venue to become acquainted with the various resources available in the area. Dog rescue organizations, dog training facilities and the Fairbanks North Star Borough Animal Control Shelter will be represented throughout the day, offering dog-related information.

“We want to offer a day dedicated to people having fun with their dogs, and we also want to connect people with the resources around them,” Fortune said.

The Mutt March, now in its eighth year, annually brings 250 to 350 dogs and their owners together at Pioneer Park to march proudly around the neighborhood before gathering outside the Moose Creek Pavilion for a few hours of fun. While the day is “a day for all dogs to shine,” Fortune said a major focal point is to recognize “mutt” or mixed-breed dogs.

“We’re not saying mixed-breed dogs are better than others, but we are emphasizing they are as good as pedigree dogs,” she said, noting the march was initiated in response to the alarming number of mixed-breed dogs that were euthanized each year.

All types and sizes of dogs are welcome at the March, as long as they are on a leash. The only stipulation for participation, Fortune said, is that dogs remain on a leash, not on a rope or chain.

Fortune is a founding member of Mutt Matchers, a local resource that helps connect people who are giving up a dog with people wanting to offer one a home.

“We match owners with pets,” Fortune said. The mission statement of the group is to promote “the magnificent qualities of the mixed breed dog and encourage the adoption of (Fairbanks North Star Borough) Animal Shelter mutts.”

Fortune noted the Mutt March also addresses that second objective. “We have dogs available for adoption that lead the March and are introduced to the crowd,” she explained.

Select dogs will parade with other dogs during the March and their biographies will later be read to the audience by event emcee Clint Michaels. The animals, in the care of certified handlers, will mingle with the crowd for the next few hours and become acquainted with dog lovers. Fortune said it is a system that works: The March has a 95 percent adoption rate of dogs introduced at the event.

Registration for marchers, at $5 per dog, begins in the Pioneer Park parking lot on the Moore Street side at 10:30 a.m. and the march begins at 12:30 p.m. Walkers will make a two-and-a-half mile loop, entering the park to end at the Moose Pavilion, where various booths be open from noon to 4 p.m. Participating groups such as Golden Retriever Rescue of Fairbanks will be on hand, as well as training professionals, and a playground for dogs to enjoy. Pets can also win prizes at various game areas. There will be a photograph booth, face painting, and food and drink concessions.

Fortune said the event is important because it is one of the largest venues in the area that invites various canine resources to mingle with the community. She emphasized everyone who enjoys the company of dogs, whether they currently own a dog or not, is welcome at the March.

“The Mutt March is a day dedicated to fun for yourself and your dog,” she said.

--

What: Eighth Annual Mutt March

When: 12:30 p.m. Sunday with accompanying events held noon to 4 p.m.

Where: Pioneer Park parking lot on the Moore Street side

Admission: March participation is $5 per dog, no admission for other events. Call 452-2081 for more information