Strut Your Mutt Fundraiser

To Support New Dog Park

By Kendra Bobowick

“Pack up your pooch and join us!” states the flyer promoting next weekend’s Strut Your Mutt fundraiser on May 22 to benefit Newtown’s Park and Bark dog park.

“I’m excited!” said Assistant Director of Recreation RoseAnn Reggiano.

A dog walk begins at 10:30 am at Fairfield Hills, a popular spot for pets to accompany residents walking refinished trails and strolling the former state hospital streets.

The morning will host the one-mile walk for dogs and families, contests and prizes, and special guests. Contests include best kisser, dog and owner look alike, best dressed, shortest tail, longest tail, and more. Registration is $20 per dog and $5 for additional dogs. Register at NewtownParkAndBark.org where a form is available, or register beginning at 9:30 am on May 22. Participants will automatically be entered into a drawing for a doggy gift basket. Guests can also enter a raffle to guess the number of biscuits in the jar, and the winner will take the treats home.

Sale items include stickers that say, “My Dog Digs Newtown.” The day’s finale will be a demonstration with Newtown’s K-9 Unit, Baro and handler Officer Andrew Stinson.

With a goal of $50,000 for the new park, Ms Reggiano said that so far fundraising has brought in roughly $4,000. A  recent Dinner with he Dogs was also a success.