DEARBORN.  March 6, 2019—Walkers, runners and their dog companions will fill Dearborn’s Ford Field on Saturday, May 11, 2019 for the 14^th annual Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit (FAMD) Mutt Strut Walk & 5K Run.

The Mutt Strut welcomes families and individuals of all skill levels for the run along Dearborn’s Gateway Trail.  The run begins at 8 a.m. for runners and the walk along Garrison begins at 9:30 a.m.  Dogs are welcome, but are not required for participation.  Events will run during and after the official walk until 3 p.m.

The event’s presenting sponsor is Dearborn Family Pet Care.  Other sponsors include Fairlane Ford and Dearborn Recreation & Parks.  Funds from the event benefit animal care, shelter, food and medical treatment for the FAMD animals.

This year’s event will be led by Ambassadors Taryn Asher of FOX2 and Jason Carr of WDIV, along with Grand Marshall Mackey Daniel and his dog, Phoenix who was rescued by FAMD last Spring.

“My favorite part of Mutt Strut is seeing shelter alumni return with their new owners.   It’s a great reunion,”  said Elaine Greene, FAMD’s executive director.

The walk winds through the side streets and parks of Dearborn with full support from the community. Said Greene, “It’s great to see the neighbors come out and support our walkers and runners, especially when they bring their dogs too.”

In addition to the race and walk, Ford Field in Dearborn will host food trucks, family-friendly entertainment, demonstrations and a shopping area for pet owners. A lure course for active dogs will challenge racing skills, and an agility course is also available for dogs wishing to show off their tricks.

Participants can register individually or as a team. In 2018, the Mutt Strut raised more than $100,000 to support the 1,984 animals adopted from the shelter.

“2018 was an amazing year,” added Greene.  “The new MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption & Education Center opened to culminate more than 10 years of fundraising and is so beautiful.  I give a lot of credit to all the staff and volunteers for their hard work and devotion to animals every day.”

The MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption & Education Center is located at the former Amtrak station in Dearborn at 16121 Reckinger Road, just off Michigan Avenue near the Henry Ford Centennial Library.  The land was donated to FAMD by the City of Dearborn.

Runner registration is $45 and includes a timing bib, t-shirt and medal.  Walker registration is $15 and includes a dog bandana.  Registration and more information on the event can be found at famdmuttstrut.org.

About FAMD

After 25 years of nurturing more than 50,000 animals, the Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit has launched their “More Love than Humanly Possible” capital campaign to construct Phase Two of their complex, adjacent to the MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption & Education Center.  For more information about FAMD, a 501 (c) 3 organization, visit metrodetroitanimals.org

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MEDIA CONTACT:   Colleen Robar, 313-207-5960, crobar@robarpr.com