Jeff Keller and Gus Gus took home first prize in the costume contest held at the WillaMutt Strut held at Riverfront Park on Aug. 31, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)
Excited barks and energetic humans were the order of the day at Riverfront Park.
On Saturday, hundreds of Salem dogs and their humans gathered to run, walk, show off costumes and prove their prowess at eating peanut butter.
The annual WillaMutt Strut, organized by the Oregon Humane Society, drew 271 registrants, said Laura Klink, spokeswoman for the organization.
The event raised over $40,000 for the humane society, according to the event website.
Sunny D and Sookie pose with Avery and Adeline during the costume contest held at the WillaMutt Strut held at Riverfront Park on Aug. 31, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Ryan Bell and Roofus enjoy some French fries after participating in the WillaMutt Strut held at Riverfront Park on Aug. 31, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Juni the corgi makes a running finish with Ann Rolufs at the WillaMutt Strut held at Riverfront Park on Aug. 31, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Mattie Bowden and Ramona compete in the peanut butter licking contest at the WillaMutt Strut held at Riverfront Park on Aug. 31, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Astra the black lab bobs for rubber duckies at the WillaMutt Strut held at Riverfront Park on Aug. 31, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)JuJu lets everyone know how scary she is during the costume contest held at the WillaMutt Strut at Riverfront Park on Aug. 31, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Participants in the Dog and Owner look-alike contest are judged at the WillaMutt Strut held at Riverfront Park on Aug. 31, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Peaches competes in the Leap or Limbo contest held at the WillaMutt Strut held at Riverfront Park on Aug. 31, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Bergling the basset hound considers his options at the photo booth set up at the WillaMutt Strut held at Riverfront Park on Aug. 31, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Domi Castro and Memo enjoy a rest after running the 5K at the WillaMutt Strut held at Riverfront Park on Aug. 31, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Gus is 100% sight impaired but was enjoying himself anyway at the WillaMutt Strut held at Riverfront Park on Aug. 31, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Kristi and Hal Ganley pose with Leena and Cypress at the photo booth set up at the WillaMutt Strut held at Riverfront Park on Aug. 31, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Killi enjoys some pool time at the WillaMutt Strut held at Riverfront Park on Aug. 31, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Sun looks up for a treat at the WillaMutt Strut held at Riverfront Park on Aug. 31, 2024. Sun was found as a stray in the southwest and was relocated to Oregon where he was adopted. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Jewels Vanvolkinburg takes a moment to cuddle with Jeffrey before the costume contest held at the WillaMutt Strut held at Riverfront Park on Aug. 31, 2024. Jeffrey has been with her for 16 years. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Metzi, the winner of the Musical Sit Down contest, looks up at her owner Jenny Collins at the WillaMutt Strut held at Riverfront Park on Aug. 31, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Personal grooming takes a lot of time for these attendees at the WillaMutt Strut held at Riverfront Park on Aug. 31, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)
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Laura Tesler has lived in Salem, Oregon for 20 years and is originally from Flint, MI. Laura has been an underwater photographer for 15 years, and is an avid scuba diver. Topside, she has been taking photographs since age 12, and currently works on assignment for the Salem Reporter, and full time purchasing land for fish and wildlife habitat in the Willamette Valley. Laura attended Oregon State University, and has traveled extensively all over the world and the United States.
