HSPC to host Sept. 13 'Strut Your Mutt' 5K event

The Humane Society of Putnam County (HSPC) will host a community-wide 5K run and walk on Saturday, Sept. 13 to raise money for the shelter's Spay and Neuter Assistance Fund and low-cost microchipping programs in the community.

The Putnam County Pet Parade, also known as "Strut Your Mutt," will begin at the Greencastle Aquatic Center in Robe-Ann Park.

The course will take participants and their furry companions on a 3.1-mile trip around the DePauw campus, ending back at Robe-Ann Park with pet games and a social fair.

Community members without pets are encouraged to participate in the Supporter Parade beginning at 9 a.m., just prior to the Pet Parade at 9:15. The pet games, social fair and raffle is set to begin at 10 a.m.

As the HSPC continues to get back on its feet, the Strut Your Mutt 5K will raise money specifically to support outreach programs for Putnam County pet owners, such as spay and neuter and microchipping assistance.

HSPC officials believe both programs are crucial for the overall safety of community members and their pets. Through these programs residents of Putnam County have access to microchipping clinics hosted by the HSPC to ensure their dog is identifiable in the event they get lost at a fraction of the cost. Residents who qualify also have access to spay/neuter assistance that allows them to alter their pets for a reasonable price.

Registration for both the Pet Parade and the Supporter Parade is $20 per person before Sept. 1 and $25 per person any time afterward. Registration forms can be mailed to the HSPC (P.O. Box 444, Greencastle) or be turned in during registration the morning of race day. With the launch of the new HSPC website (hspcanimals.org) online registration and payment are also available.

As a safety precaution, the HSPC asks that all pet owners only bring properly vaccinated pets that are up to the chaos of the event and keep their pets on a non-retractable leash no longer than six feet.

Sandy Grimes, HSPC board president and Rescued Treasures manager, shared the importance of this event for the HSPC.

"This event is very exciting for the HSPC and its supporters," Grimes said. "It is not only a way for us to raise some funds dedicated to community outreach programs, but it is also a great way to raise awareness about our resurgence in this community.

"We are dedicated and committed to the care, rehabilitation and adoption of homeless animals," Grimes added, "and just as importantly, we are committed to being a long-standing resource for the residents of this county to be able to utilize our services regardless of the reason."