Many of Richland County’s dogs could be found at the 12th Annual Strutt Your Mutt Canine Festival at the Richland County fairgrounds on Saturday. All breeds were welcome to join in on the festivities.
The Humane Society of Richland County hosts this event each year to raise money and awareness for their organization. Animal Caretaker Linda Sexton said this is the biggest fundraiser of the year.
“I’ve been doing this for four-and-a-half years and it’s always a blast,” she said. Her primary responsibilities at the shelter in Ontario are feeding the animals, administrating medicine and treatments and taking them outside for fresh air.
There were many groups and organizations who volunteered time to help with the festivities. The Young Marines were dressed in military garb and made themselves available for any sort of “extra help.” Zoom N’ Groom’s mobile grooming van was also present, they gave free nail trimmings to dogs.
One woman sold homemade leashes. She braided the leashes using a “square knot,” using parachute material.
“I saw the bracelets one day, about two years ago. And then I saw this idea of making leashes out of the same material, so I started doing it. It took me all summer to make all of these,” said Tammy Paramore as she pointed to her collection. “If I sit down and do one it can take me up to three hours.”
The material she uses is called paracore. Paramore has three dogs; Lucy, Jet and Pitch, so she uses some of the leashes for her dogs.
Paul Breit said he had been drawing portraits of individuals and their dogs for a few years now. Breit had his own table set up in the Arts & Crafts Hall. He drew portraits with colored pencils for pet owners for a donation.
The most popular attraction, according to Director Mike Vetter, was the lure course. Dogs are encouraged to chase a lure attached to a reeling line around a course. The dogs were timed to compete for the best time.
“There’s been a steady line of people by that all day,” said Vetter.
There are many ways to donate to the cause. The goal is to raise $15,000. Individuals are encouraged to donate because the funds will go directly towards revamping the existing shelter facility in Ontario. They plan to upgrade the building with technology that will allow them to spay and neuter pets and strays.
According to Vetter, currently the Humane Society of Richland County transports their dogs and cats to a clinic in Upper Sandusky, The Hope Clinic. This weekly trip is costly, so getting their own clinic fully operational would help mitigate the cost Vetter said.
For more information on how you can help the Richland County Humane Society, visit their website.
