Utica’s annual Puppy Parade attracts all ages and sizes of dogs who made the trek from Grant to Pioneer Park.
(MACOMB DAILY FILE PHOTO BY SUSAN SMILEY)
Plans are underway for the annual Puppy Parade in Utica later this month to coincide with April being National Prevention of Cruelty of Animals month.
Dozens of costumed canines are anticipated to participate within the procession, which will likely be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27 starting at Grant Park and ending at Pioneer Park.
The parade was launched by metropolis officers following a trio of violent incidents involving the animals in recent years, together with the 2019 brutal stabbing demise of a canine named Sterling that was killed in Grant Park by his proprietor.
Utica Mayor Gus Calandrino, whose household owns three dogs, mentioned the aim of the family-friendly Puppy Parade is to deliver consideration to the advocacy for the welfare of animals.
“The Utica Puppy Parade continues to grow each year,” he mentioned. “I’m proud that this event brings attention to the prevention of cruelty to animals. The Utica Puppy Parade brings together so many important organizations who are advocating for this cause.”
The occasion will function vendor tents with greater than 20 animal rights organizations, Pops Sweets on the Streets meals truck, and many goofy dogs sniffing round and doing foolish issues, organizers mentioned.
The parade begins at Grant Park with an escort from the Utica Fire and Police division automobiles. It ends at Pioneer Park the place attendees can go to rescue and vendor tents. Several animal safety advocates will make feedback.
Utica has welcomed a “special guest” canine in previous parades.
This 12 months, Fritz, a five-month-old rescue Rottweiler puppy who obtained life-saving care from the Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society Vet Clinic. Thanks to the assist of the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the clinic will likely be receiving a $1,000 grant for caring for Fritz.
Michelle Laskowski, foster proprietor of the puppy, mentioned he was in a park a day or two old, the place he had been “mishandled” by two young kids. When he was dropped at the Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society, Fritz was bleeding from his left eye and proper ear.
A veterinary clinic supervisor nurtured Fritz again to well being by way of her care, bottle feeding and round the clock monitoring, Laskowski mentioned. While the supervisor was at work, Fritz accompanied her to the clinic, the place the assisted in nurturing the young canine.
“Fritz’s intelligence and playful nature, coupled with his endearing large paws, make him a delightful companion,” Laskowski mentioned.
Earlier this 12 months, Fritz required extra surgical procedures for the removing of the remaining tissue from his eye, closure of the affected eye, correction of facial scarring, extraction of additional toes and dewclaws from his hind ft, and neutering.
Laskowski mentioned the surgical procedures went effectively and Fritz’s situation is enhancing.
Grant Park is positioned at 8243 Hahn Street, which is north of Hall Road (M-59) and east of Van Dyke Avenue.
