Wow, what a day! On Saturday, April 11, we gathered at Homewood Central Park to celebrate Mutt Strut in true Friends-inspired fashion, and Birmingham showed up in a big way. From nostalgic 90s looks to joyful reunions between two- and four-legged friends, the park was full of energy, connection, and plenty of tail wags.
Thanks to your support, we raised over $55,000 to help Hand in Paw continue providing life-changing Animal-Assisted Therapy across North Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa completely free of charge to our program partners. That’s real impact, made possible by this incredible community.
From the 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run to the vendor village, costume contest, and photo booth moments with Spot, every part of the morning brought people together in the best way. And yes, we’ve got the photos to prove it:
📸 See Your Photo Booth Pics with Spot by Emondre Johnson of The Bark Park
📸 Check out the Official Event Photos by Deborah Michelle Photography
Behind all the scenes (and the scenes on stage) was our dedicated Junior Board, who plan and host Mutt Strut each year. Their leadership, creativity, and sheer hustle are what make this event possible. Want to learn more about the group behind the magic? Check out our blog post introducing the Junior Board!
We’re sending a huge thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Creative Dog Training, along with all of our generous sponsors, vendors, and partners who helped bring this event to life.
And to everyone who ran, walked, fundraised, volunteered, or simply showed up: thank you! You showed what it really means to be there for one another, and for the people we serve.
Inspired by Mutt Strut? Want to be part of the team that brings it to life each year?
Hand in Paw’s Junior Board is a group of passionate young professionals who support our mission through fundraising, event planning, and community engagement—including leading Mutt Strut from start to finish.
If you're looking for a meaningful way to give back, grow your network, and make a tangible impact in Central Alabama, we’d love to hear from you. Click here to learn more about the Junior Board. Ready to apply? Click the button below!
Apply Today
