POTSDAM -- The Strut Your Mutt event sponsored by the Potsdam Humane Society (PHS) May 7 brought in over $9,000 to help with operations at the animal shelter on Madrid Avenue.

The day kicked off with a 5K walk by dog lovers of all ages. The dogs were as excited as children on Christmas morning and the human participants won over 50 prizes, which were donated by local businesses.

Susan Kramer, a PHS volunteer, won the first prize raising a total of $1,590 in pledges.

Over 50 vendors displayed and sold items in the craft and vendor show inside Pine Street Arena. Concessions by Pastimes, Abilene’s Old Time Pony Photos, face painting, and photos with Potsdam Batman were added to the mix.

“We are extremely grateful to all the local businesses and organizations that donated prized and items for the Strut event,” the humane society said in an email. “And , of course, we could not forget all our walkers who came out to support PHS, as well as the volunteers who helped make this day possible.”

The St. Lawrence Valley Dog Club held demonstrations, including one on agility, throughout the day. Music was provided by DJ Double Dutch, and water was given to walkers by Pepsi Cola Ogdensburg Bottlers.

[img_assist|nid=171424|title=|desc=|link=none|align=middle|width=470|height=624]

An unidentified 'strutter' carries a seemingly tired out puppy during the fundraiser for the animal shelter.

Walkers wore shirts created by Stacked Graphics of Tupper Lake and designed by Meghan Lalonde, who won this year’s t-shirt design contest.

The arena also hosted the Clarkson and Potsdam Gardens Clubs’ annual plant sale with proceeds going to the animal shelter as well.

PHS adds new activities and attractions each year, and ideas are coming together for next year, to be held May 6, 2017.

College students make up a large percentage of volunteers who walk shelter dogs. With the students gone for the summer, PHS has a need for more volunteers to take dogs on walks.

PHS only requires new volunteers to take an orientation class to volunteer, and an additional dog walking class to walk the dogs.

Contact the Potsdam Humane Society 265-3199 or shelter@potsdamhumanesociety.org for more info.