Editor,

Goosefoot has made a difficult decision related to the prudent management of our resources. We want the community to know we will no longer be hosting the Mutt Strut Dog Parade & Costume Contest.

Over the last few years, parade registrants and general attendance have decreased, despite increasing publicity to counter this trend. It is also the most costly event for us to put on. These two factors led our board and staff to reconsider this annual activity.

The Mutt Strut, held in October, enjoyed a special place in our hearts for 13, years and the decision was not made lightly.

We want to thank emcee Jim Freeman, who didn’t miss a year, for his skillful and joyous management of both dogs and owners. Appreciation to David Welton for providing such fun-filled photographs over the years.

Bayview Farm & Garden and the Bayview Farmers Market were perfect co-creators of fun with Apple Day and market activities. Although our prize donors numbered too many to list here, we especially want to mention those who put smiles on our hairy, four-legged participants: Critters & Co., Healthy Pet, Myken’s, Four Paws Only Salon, Hairy Barkers Pet Salon, South Whidbey Animal Clinic, Tricia’s Pet Care, Useless Bay Animal Hospital, Animal Hospital by the Sea and Wildside Pet Products. Animal interest groups joined us with information tables, including WAIF, FETCH, Dogs on Deployment, Oasis for Animals and Reading with Rover.

Our apologies to anyone we’ve missed who contributed over the years.

To everyone who participated in a Mutt Strut, thank you for your creativity, laughter and dedication to bringing out the best in our four-legged friends. Thank you for your understanding,

Board and Staff of Goosefoot