POTSDAM -- The Potsdam Humane Society's 8th Annual Strut Your Mutt raised $9,000 to help with animal medical costs to assist PHS as it strives to be a no-kill shelter.

Over 150 people and 112 dogs strutted their stuff on a recent walk by dog lovers on the trails of Horsefeathers Haunts.

Local businesses donated over 50 prizes for participants.

First prize was awarded to Susan Kramer, PHS volunteer, who individually raised a total of $1,350 for the animals. Walkers wore shirts created by Stacked Graphics of Tupper Lake and designed by Keagan Anderson, who won this year's t-shirt design contest.

Over 50 vendors displayed and sold items in the craft show indoors at Pine Street Arena. Concessions by Pastimes, free face painting, and pictures with the North Country Crusaders added to the mix.

The arena also hosted the Clarkson and Potsdam Garden Club's annual plant sale. Theme baskets, which were raffled off raising over $1,000, were donated by community members.

The Humane Society expressed gratitude to all the local businesses and organizations that donated prizes and items, including Horsefeathers Haunts, Pine Street Arena staff, Strut Volunteers, and all of their walkers who came out to support the event.

Plans are under way for next year's “Strut Your Mutt” May 5, the first Saturday in May, as usual.

With students going home for the summer, PHS has a need for more summer volunteer dog walkers. PHS only requires new volunteers to take an orientation class and an additional dog walking class.

Contact the Potsdam Humane Society at (315) 265-3199 or shelter@potsdamhumanesociety.org for more information.