The Whitman County Humane Society is holding its annual Mutt Strutt fundraiser this Saturday at Reaney Park.

The fundraiser starts at 8 a.m. with a 5K run at Reaney Park and continues with other fundraiser activities that run until noon. The entry fee for either the 5K or Mutt Strutt event is $20, and entry to both is $25. All breeds of dogs are allowed as long as they are well-trained and on a leash.

Check-in for the 5K starts at 8 a.m. and the run starts at 8:30 a.m. The run is a roughly 3.2 mile loop around Pullman.

“It’s meant to be a fun day for you and your dog,” said Kylene Daschofsky, assistant director of shelter operations and a member of the Mutt Strutt organizing committee.

This year there will be a host of contests for owners and their dogs. Starting at 9:30 a.m. and going until noon, the events include a costume contest; a peanut butter contest where the dog who licks peanut butter off a spoon the fastest wins; a contest similar to musical chairs; and a hot dog-bobbing contest. A free-to-enter scavenger hunt will also take place.

Entry fees into each contest are $1, except the costume contest, which is $5 for one dog, and $10 for two or more. Winners of the contests will receive a coupon for a free pizza from Papa Murphy’s or a goody bag with various gifts. A training group known as Big Dog Agility will be doing a demonstration later on in the day. There will also be a silent auction starting at 8:30 a.m.

All funds raised will go toward improvements of Pullman’s Pooch Park, the city’s only specialized dog park. Potential upgrades include adding restrooms, extra amenities and overall upkeep of the park.

“It’s a well-managed place that is safe for large and small dogs,” said Pat Ryan, a local resident who uses the dog park almost every day.

The Morris Animal Foundation is helping sponsor the event as well. The Morris Animal Foundation helps fund non-harmful animal research and provides support for animal welfare.

There will be an assortment of roughly 30 vendors providing various services, including a handful of WSU clubs.

Reporting by Ethen Ashcraft