Mutt Strut's Champions are: Pippin Grewe and Asher McSims!

The contest came down to a photo finish, between Pippin, Girly, and Asher! But at midnight it was Pippin who came out "on top" with $3,481.60 raised, and Asher won the popularity contest with 72 unique donors. This year, having three close competitors made for an exciting race at the end! But every year, one thing remains true: all competitors make a difference in the lives of pets. Thank you to every campaigner, donor, sponsor, and attendee who put the "fun" in "fundraising" this spring!

Girly: The ultimate leaderboard champion, Girly has now raised an incredible $3,671.56! Her dedicated fans put her into an early lead, and they came out to fight for her in the last few hours of the competition. Overall, 27 unique donors gave in her honor. Girly Leibach and her people were incredible ambassadors for the shelter and for Mutt Strut. Thank you, Leibach family!

Asher: Early on, Asher announced an intention to win Mr. Popular, and he did! Throughout Mutt Strut, he steadily climbed the ranks until he was at the top of the leaderboard, with all of his generous donors also helping him become the third highest fundraiser! 74 unique donors ultimately gave $3,105.60 to support Asher's campaign. In addition to a basket full of goodies and toys, Asher's top prize is a private party at the Triptych Tap Room. Triptych will provide a tour, pizza, and beer tastings for the McSims family, Mr. Popular, and his friends!

Pippin: She came from behind and ended up in the right place at the right time! Pippin joined the contest early, but it was a last-minute push that helped her leap up the rankings. Ultimately, Pippin raised $3,656.60 from a generous 53 donors, but it was her midnight total that made her this year's "Top Dog"! As the ultimate Mutt Strut champion, Pippin will appear on a label for Triptych brewing in the next year. Thank you, Pippin, and congratulations Grewe family!

Fergie: Proving that this contest is all about creating the opportunity to give, Fergie Jenkins came in third place in the popularity contest, raising $525! While other campaigns raised more, her campaign had 35 unique donors, most giving $5 each. No matter the total amount raised, the quest for "Mr. or Ms. Popular" is all about knowing people who will support you as they can. Thank you so much, Tyner family!

Learn more about Mutt Strut:

Q: "What's the difference between Mutt Strut, Top Dog, and Mr./Ms. Popular?"

A: Mutt Strut is a season of giving where community members compete to raise money for CCHS. There are two champions: The 'Top Dog' prize goes to the human/pet team that raises the most money for CCHS, leading up to the Mutt Strut event, and the pet that inspires the largest number of unique donors will win the 'Popularity' title and be named 'Mr. or Ms. Popular'.

The Mutt Strut is also an outdoor event for people and their dogs, typically held in early May. At the Mutt Strut, we'll play games and do activities, designed for dogs. We'll also walk together around the park to honor the Top Dog and Mr./Ms. Popular teams, picnic with food trucks, and guests 21+ can enjoy beer from Triptych.

Q: "Does my competing pet have to be a dog?"

A: No, 'Top Dog' is a lifestyle, and all pets are welcome to apply! All fundraisers are welcome to showcase any of their pets as their mascot, regardless of species, when campaigning for Mutt Strut.

However, the Mutt Strut is an event for people and their dogs, and no other types of pets will be admitted to the event.

Q: "Is the 'Popularity' Title second place?"

A: No. The 'Popularity' title is the human/pet team that received donations from the most donors, leading up to the Mutt Strut event. They are not necessarily one of the top two fundraisers! Some pets receive larger donations from fewer people, and some inspire many people to give at all levels. We want to honor both!

Q: "Can my pet win both 'Top Dog' and 'Mr./Ms. Popular'?"

A: While it's possible that the top fundraiser will also inspire the most supporters, our 'Top Dog' will not be eligible to win the 'Popularity' title. Should this occur, the top fundraiser may choose between the prizes, and the one they relinquish will be given to the next eligible campaign. That means, if they choose to relinquish the Popularity title, the next most popular campaign will win, regardless of the total raised.

Q: "Are all dogs welcome to attend this event?"

A: We love all dogs at CCHS, but not every dog does well with big crowds, or an outdoor event like the Mutt Strut. You should consider your pet's health, temperament, and behavior when deciding whether to bring them to the event. So, should you come?

Yes! If your dog:
• Is old enough to be around other dogs and people (at least 6 months of age).
• Is up to date on all required vaccinations (appropriate paperwork or collar tags must be present at check in).
• Does well on a leash.
• Can manage the weather conditions that day.
• Is not aggressive or anxious toward other dogs.
• Is friendly toward humans, and not fearful of crowds or noise.
and Probably not, if your dog:
• Does not have proof of their current rabies vaccination.
• Is still too young to mix with a big crowd (under 6 months).
• Would have trouble being outside for an extended period of time.
• Cannot tolerate that day's weather.
• Has aggressive tendencies or is reactive (barks and pulls) towards other dogs or humans while on or off leash.
• Is shy or timid and likely to be stressed.
• Is exhibiting any signs of illness close to the day of the event.

CCHS will also have dog handlers at the event to watch for signs of stress dogs or aggression between dogs. A handler will inform you if they see signs of discomfort and recommend how to help. CCHS will ask you to leave the event if your dog is being disruptive.

Q: "Can I bring my cat / bird / snake / rabbit to the Mutt Strut event?"

A: While you may be fundraising for your non-canine pet to be 'Top Dog,' Mutt Strut is a dog-only event. You will still be welcome to join us at Mutt Strut--and lead the strut if you win!--we just kindly ask that you leave the non-dogs at home for this particular event for their own safety and the safety of others.

Q: "When do ticket sales close?"

A: Walk ups will always be welcome! In-person registration is available on site by cash, check, or credit card. Online registration will remain available through the end of the event. There is a small price increase, by $5, on the day of the event.

Q: "What will be provided at the event, and what will we have to bring?"

A: We will have several dog friendly activities available, as well as dog contests with prizes, and many dog treats! If you require a separate drinking container for your dog, please bring one, and we will be more than happy to fill it up with water. There will be waste bags provided as well. Please clean up after your pet.

Please bring cash so you can enjoy Triptych Beer, which raises money for CCHS! Food trucks will be there for you to picnic. Bottled water and doggie water stations will be provided, with pet water served in a community bowl.

Q: "Registration is for one dog and handler, but I have two dogs. What do I do?"

A: Come with a friend! All dogs must be accompanied by their own handler, who is at least 16 years of age. If you have more than one dog who would like to attend, please register your second pet with a second handler. You can also consider registering as a Friend of Mutt Strut, which helps sponsor the event, and permits entry for two dogs, each with their own handler.