Six-year-old Zero – and his foster mom – got up in the wee hours Sunday. They had a busy morning planned.
First a bite to eat, then a walk. Then a stop at Wayside Waifs to get a matching leash, collar and “adopt me” scarf. Then they headed to Brookside for the 34 Annual Strutt With Your Mutt.
The walk/run event helps raise funds for the south Kansas City shelter, which serves 27,000 pets and people a year.
There were photo ops, dog costume contests, kids’ dash, a vendor village and more. This year their goal was $225,000. They’re still crunching the numbers but they have surpassed it.
Zero – described as a little of a lot of breeds – was surrendered to Wayside in early August.
His owners had to move from a home to an apartment. Management didn’t approve when he barked.
On Sunday, he let out just a few yaps at much bigger dogs, letting them know he wasn’t daunted by their size. He’s lived with cats, gets along with the three dogs at his foster home, is housebroken and has had a dental cleaning.
Zero’s hobbies are patrolling for squirrels, and he once leaped from a car to chase down a goose. The staff describes him as a loving boy who likes to be around people. He takes anxiety medication and does get lonely so he needs a home with a furry sibling.
Three other Wayside Waifs pups got to attend the event. Criteria: They have to get along with both dogs and people.
- Cici: A 6-month old Anatolian Shepherd-mix. She was transferred from an under-resourced Oklahoma shelter a couple weeks ago. She has been spayed and updated on her vaccinations. The team describes her as “a very sweet young girl who wants nothing more than to sit in your lap and lick your face. She’s very affectionate and would do well in just about any home.” She loves other dogs and wants to play every day. She also gives out kisses during car rides. At just over 50 pounds, she is still growing.
- Maxwell: An 8-month-old mini-Dachshund; transferred from a Mississippi shelter earlier this month. He is neutered and updated on his vaccinations. He is described as a social and fun little guy, “He loves other dogs, he loves everybody,” and “he just wants to be on an adventure.”
- Scoob: A one-year-old pitbull-mix, transferred from a Colorado shelter about a month ago. The “loving, fun, sweet, goofball” found a forever home at Sunday’s event.
