Hundreds of dogs — some dressed to the nines in tutus and doggie-shoes — were at Sleepy Hole Park for a romp in the grass on Sunday afternoon.

The third annual Mutt Strut to benefit the Suffolk Humane Society drew a crowd of up to 5,000 people and raised more than $55,000 on Sunday, according to Kay Hurley of the Suffolk Humane Society.

“It’s great to know we have so much community support despite the economy,” Hurley said. “We’ve raised more today than we did in the entire event last year, and we know we’ll have some more funds come in throughout the year.”

Top fundraisers included Goose Creek Animal Hospital, which won the “Top Vet Challenge” by raising $2,060; Farmer’s Bank, which won the “Top Team” award by raising $1,863; Chelsey Atkinson, who won “Top 16-and-Under” and “Top Individual” by raising $1,574; and Beverly Holmes, who won “Top Lone Dog” by raising $805.

“We are just so overwhelmed at the job our volunteers and supporters did this year,” Hurley said.

In addition to the increase in donations, there was an increase of sponsors and vendors this year, Hurley said. More than 25 businesses were sponsors, and more than 80 vendors and rescue groups participated.

The event also included agility demonstrations, police dog demonstrations, pet health screenings, a canine fashion show and other games and contests.

“We came last year, and got [Emma] micro-chipped, but this year we’re just working on social skills,” said Jennifer Sterne, who brought Emma, a yellow Labrador retriever, again this year. “She’s like a kid to our family, and this is just one big play date.”

While many dogs were there for fun, there were a few with a more serious mission. Several adoption and rescue agencies brought some dogs looking for homes.

“We’ve had a lot of interest in some of our dogs and some reunions with ones we’ve adopted out here before,” said Melynda Roberts, president of Long Dog Dachshund Rescue. “After we came the first year, we’ve been dedicated to coming back. It really helps get our mission out there. Some people don’t understand why someone would need to rescue a dachshund, but their owners get sick, die, have allergies or divorce. We have plenty of great dogs just looking for a home.”

“This just makes me want 10 more dogs,” said Cristin Pond, as she walked by the tables with her white-and-brown dog, Tula.