Those who spotted a proud parade of mutts while driving or walking by Goodman's Bay this past Saturday might have thought Cable Beach had gone to the dogs.
Indeed, they were out in droves--at least 60 dog owners and dog lovers were out with their four-legged partners to raise money for the spay and neutering programs offered by Baark! at its second annual Strut Your Mutt Walk-a-thon.
Participants took on sponsors and donations to parade their pooch.
The event raised $10,000, says co-ordinator and chairman of Baark! Laura Kimble.
Since spays and neuterings are $50 each, the money will go a long way towards controlling the stray dog and cat populations on the island.
Every week, about 50 animals are put down, so programs by Baark! like StrayBusters work to prevent animal suffering and deaths before they even happen.
"We are really positive and we really believe we can end the suffering of stray animals on the streets," says Kimble.  "It's possible, it just needs a lot of work and people coming together.  We really believe it can be done."
The money comes on the heels of earlier great news--the donation of a truck to help them perform free spays and neuterings for strays and for pets whose owners cannot afford to provide the procedure.
"This is a really good thing because the truck enables us to get out into the community and talk to people about spay and neutering because the people who need the help can't afford it and can't get their dog to the vet anyway," says Kimble, who adds they've been focusing on the Bernard Road community for most of the year.
"Our goal is the more funds we get in, the more frequently we can do it and move through other communities that need our help."
As part of World Animal Day on October 4, organizations around the world hold activities and fundraisers dedicated to the creatures we share the earth with, and Baark! is pleased to put on the event, which is modelled after an international fundraiser by the Best Friends Animal Society.
At the event itself on Saturday, the mood was a celebratory one with a raffle, goody bags, and fun prizes like Prettiest Potcake and Owner Dog Look-Alike given out to the stars of the event themselves, the dogs.
"It's so nice to see some of the rescues and other adoption dogs from the previous years all happy with their owners," Kimble says.
"Some people who didn't have a mutt to walk could walk the adoption dogs at the Humane Society. So they would pick up the dog and take them out there, so it was really fun for them," she continues. "Last year--and hopefully it happens this year--a couple of the dogs at the Humane Society got adopted afterwards."
Indeed, events like Strut Your Mutt help Baark! not only to raise funds but also raise awareness for its cause. Kimble was paticularly touched by the community coming together to support their mission.
"The most rewarding part was creating the togetherness and the awareness of everything," she says. "It takes a lot of people to make a change and just seeing everyone come together, it's the most positive thing.
"I think over the years as it grows it will be good to see that people really care to come out."
If you want to make a donation, volunteer or ask a question, contact Baark! at baarkbahamas.org.
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