In honor of Humane Society International’s World Spay Day Baark! hosted its 6th ‘Strut your Mutt’ Walk-A-Thon event on Sunday February 25th at Goodman’s Bay, for both two and four-legged participants.
The park was a bustle of dogs of all shapes and sizes meeting and greeting each other. With the largest turnout yet, Baark! raised a record amount… $18,000 for their spay/neuter and education programs all over the Bahamas.
All ‘strutters’ received a ‘doggie bag’ filled with goodies including a delicious Haagen Dazs ice - cream whilst the four-legged walkers each received stylish bandanas and bags of Purina Dog Chow.
The event had three tiers of sponsors including ‘Top Dog’ sponsors Pet Food Institute and Purina, ‘Big Dog’ sponsor Aliv, Graham Thompson & Co, Morley Realty and Palmdale Vet Clinic, and ‘Best Friend’ sponsors were Haagen Dazs, Micronet Business Technologies and Odyssey Aviation.
Graham Thompson had rave reviews as a first time sponsor, “We were pleasantly surprised at the turnout for BAARK’s Strut Your Mutt! It was a fun time for us and I think the dogs also had a great time! It was a very well organized event and Graham Thompson was happy to support such a wonderful and worthy cause at this time.”
Following the walk, fun awards were presented including ‘Gentle Giant’, ‘Golden Biscuit’, ‘The Prettiest Potcake’ and ‘Dog Owner Look-A-Like’, all winners received giant bags of Purina dog food. Participants had brought in sponsorship pledges to help raise funds, the top three adults and children were each given prizes including a Windermere Spa Package, Fitness package from Energy Fitness, Chiropractic adjustment from Dr. Christie Prosper, and a day trip for two with Powerboat Adventures.
The mini-raffle brought great excitement as people vied to win wonderful prizes donated by more local supporting companies.
Laura Kimble, Baark’s chairman said “We were thrilled to connect World Spay Day with our Strut your Mutt , raising awareness and funds for our mission. During our event we also had a team of volunteers hosting a MASH spay/neuter clinic in Staniel Cay, Exuma!”
The Baark! Team was also excited to hear the feedback from Aliv. “We thought it’s very important to get involved with a fundraiser that affects pets in our community. For years, BAARK has been doing great work with its spay/neuter projects,” said Bianca Bethel Sawyer, Aliv, Events & Sponsorship Manager. “Aliv was more than happy to help BAARK with their mission to reduce the homeless animal population. The event was an excellent opportunity for Aliv to assist in ending the suffering of stray animals on the streets.”
Baark! (Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindesss) has provided over 9000 free or subsidized spay and neuters not only in Nassau but the family islands since forming in 2010. “Having your pet spayed or neutered is the healthiest option for your dog or cat but most importantly we have so many unwanted dogs and cats in The Bahamas and it is the only way to reduce the unnecessary cycle of suffering” said Palmdale Veterinerian Dr. Major.
Baark! encourages all pet owners to spay/neuter both their dogs and cats . Baark! can help with financing or transportation for low income families. If you would like to learn more, volunteer or ask questions visit their website www.baarkbahamas.org or call 427-SPAY.
