A couple girls dressed in Dalmatian jackets lead the Mutt Strut in Bruce Park.

The Mutt Strut 2009 was held at Bruce Park in New Martinsville on Oct 3. The weather was wonderful and a great crowd showed up for the walk. The event raised $6,539 after expenses.

Winning first prize in the 18 and over category was Veronica Price who covered the county collecting $1,293 dollars. She won a 19-inch flat screen television for her efforts. Second prize of a $100 gift certificate went to Quill Brogan who donated it back to the animal shelter.

In the Under 18 category first prize went to Chuck McElaney who collected $319 dollars. He was awarded $150 in gift cards. A Lifetime Sponsorship in Memory of his sister, Kayla McElaney, is honored. Andrew Yeager won second, collecting $124. Andrew donated his $100 gift certificate back to the animal shelter. Third place received honorable mention with Alli and Kelsey Litman both collecting $100 each.

The Costume Contest had many great entries with first place going to Todd Strickler and Lacy; second, Sharon Howell and Chewey; third, Lea Ann Summers and Haley, Lucy, Linus, Boonie, Raina and Brandy; fourth, Jessie Coleman and Annie the Airdale; fifth, Chrstina Highley and Chloe and Hannah; and sixth, Zach Pritchard and his reverse dalmatian.

Honors in the people’s choice soup contest went to first, Rosy Cozart; second, Bill Cross; and third, Stacey Judge.

Veronica Price raised the most money for the Mutt Strut, $1,293 dollars. Along with this distinction she earned a 19-inch flat screen television.

The Pumpkin Decorating Contest was also people’s choice with Kristian Williams taking first, Leslie Manley taking second, and Trace Freed taking third.

The sponsors make the event possible.

The Title sponsors were J&T Paving, Excavating & Refrigeration, Inc. and Ann Clutter.

Corporate sponsors were Carl, Linda, Angel and Velvet Reist, and Kimble Chiropractic Clinic in honor of Bodie and Ginger, and

Gold Paw sponsors were Wetzel-Valley Agencies, Inc.; The Percinsky Pack, Designs and Logos; Domino’s Pizza; Power Country 104 and Magic 99.5; RCS Printing/Business Machine Services; Radio Shack/Verizon Wireless; AAA Homes; and Curves of New Martinsville.

Todd Strickler and Lacy won first place in the costume contest with this entry.

Silver Paw sponsors were Klug Bros, Inc.; New Martinsville Moose Lodge #931; Thomas E. White, Esq.; Wetzel County Hospital; and Mike Barnes, DVM.

Patrons were Witschey’s, Don and Joan Kimble, Ruth Tockman, Dan Tockman, Ohio Valley Pet Crematory, and PPG Industries, Inc.

The pumpkins in the pumpkin decorating contest took on a distinctive look in the mood of the Mutt Strut.

This young man joined the canines at the Mutt Strut after he had his face painted.