Event connects lifetime companions

Though the primary purpose of the Suffolk Humane Society’s annual fundraiser is, as the name suggests, raising money, some folks have found their new best friends at the event, as well.

The annual Mutt Strut is set for next Sunday. It includes a pledge walk, doggie demonstrations, a canine costume contest, pet- and people-friendly vendors, rescue groups, children’s activities and more. Aside from the pledge walk, the rest of the event is free and open to the public.

Michele Thames, a Suffolk Humane volunteer, is one of the lucky ones who found a new companion at last year’s event.

“We actually didn’t plan on adopting any animals,” she said. “I was volunteering at the event, and my husband came later in the day with our Great Dane.”

As the couple and their dog walked around looking at the vendors, the Great Dane came face-to-face with a 2-year-old German shepherd named Blu.

“He started licking her face,” Thames said, recalling how Blu befriended the larger dog immediately. When the couple found out Blu was up for adoption from the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue organization, they were sold on adopting him.

But they didn’t get to take him home that day. Even though Thames is a Suffolk Humane volunteer, that didn’t exempt the couple from having to fill out an application, receive a home visit and have their Great Dane and cats temperament-tested to find out if they would get along with Blu.

“It’s a really good way to adopt animals,” Thames said. “I think they did a really good job screening us. They really matched his personality with our personalities and our home.”

A year later, Blu has passed beginning and intermediate obedience training and his Canine Good Citizen test. He is working to become a certified therapy dog, Thames said, but she wants to socialize him more and see what group he works with best before he takes the test.

“He truly is just a big love bug,” Thames said. “He’s happy all the time. He constantly looks like he’s smiling.”

With nearly 20 rescue groups lined up to visit the Mutt Strut with adoptable animals, Thames recommends looking for a new best friend at the event.

“It’s an awesome event with lots of different rescues and knowledgeable people that know about different types of dogs,” she said. “You get a glimpse into the dog’s real personality in a happy, non-stressful environment.”

The Mutt Strut will be held at Sleepy Hole Park Sept. 18 from 1 to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.suffolkhumanesociety.com.