The pet costumes, such as the one above, are always big hits at the annual Mutt Strut to support the Wetzel County Animal Shelter.

The Wetzel County Animal Shelter Supporters are having their eighth annual Mutt Strut, a dog walk and pet festival, on Oct. 3 at Bruce Park in New Martinsville. This year’s event will be a little different as they are focusing on the “walk” to bring awareness to the importance of spaying and neutering pets. This is the group’s major fund raiser to help the homeless and unwanted pets in the area. There is no admission charge for the event and all are welcome to come and browse and walk with or without a pet. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. followed by the walk, refreshments, a costume contest, a soup cook off, pumpkin decorating contest, pet blessings with Father Neville, pawdicures by Sunny Dayz, face painting, tattoos (temporary), t-shirts, pet related items, games, dog bathing, 50/50 raffles, door prizes and raffle items, and of course prizes for the most money raised in adult and under 18 categories. This year they are doing an actual walk through the town of New Martinsville. This route will start at Bruce Park, go down to Main Street, and return to the park, approximately one mile. They will have a modified route for those who do not wish to walk this far.

Prizes for the event are for 18 and over, first, 19-inch flat screen color television; and second, $100 gift certificate. Under 18, first, $150 gift certificate; and second. $100 gift certificate.

Please don’t forget the pumpkin decorating and soup cook off either. The pumpkins can be carved or painted in an animal motif if possible. The soup can be of any variety, but they ask that it be non-meat (vegetarian) due to the nature of the event. All these are to be prepared prior to the event and brought upon registration. You just need to make a crock pot full and they will have everything else for tastes. Both of these contests are “People’s choice”. Prizes are gift certificates. For the soup, first, $40; second, $30; and third, $20. For the pumpkins, first, $30; second, $20; and third, $10.

The event will be set up at the shelters behind the tennis courts at Bruce Park, turn off state Route 2 at the Coffee Cup. For details call the shelter at 304-455-5348.

Please remember that the money is raised through money volunteers collect for this event, so grab a brochure at a local business in and start collecting.