Spring is here. The daffodils are up, and the Bradford pears have burst into bloom. My family is telling me all about it: Each time I open the door, the cats fly past me and stand defiantly in the back yard, daring me to catch them. The dogs, too, wake me up with great urgency at 2:30 in the morning, and then go out in the back just to smell the breeze while I complain bitterly about not getting any younger.

With spring comes another ritual for the Lawrence Humane Society. It’s time again for our Mutt ‘n’ Strut – our 13th annual benefit walk on May 10 at Sunflower School, 2521 Inverness Drive.

Many of you know that this is one of our two main events each year that provides funds for us to care for the unwanted, abused and abandoned pets in our community. Money earned from the Mutt ‘n’ Strut will help us through the summer, so participation from our supporters is essential. The event also helps raise awareness of the services that the society offers Douglas County.

What’s great about this event is that it is a really fun way to help the Humane Society, and your dogs will think so, too! It’s like going to the dog park, only a lot bigger and with much more to see and do.

The instructions are simple: Pick up a pledge form at the shelter or at any local veterinary office, pet service or supply store, or go online to www.lawrencehumane. org/documents/ MnSBrochure_2008.pdf. Fill out a form for each dog you bring (up to two dogs per participant), or fill it out in honor of your feline friends or just for yourself. You don’t need to bring a dog to join in.

Then ask all your human friends to support you with their financial pledges (a minimum total of $30 is required per dog or participant, or $35 after May 5). Mail your pledge money and form to the shelter (P.O. Box 651, Lawrence 66044) or bring it with you during registration.

Our generous sponsors have great gifts for everyone who participates (please support their businesses and tell them how much you appreciate their help). Participants who provide minimum pledges will receive a T-shirt and surprise grab bag. Those who bring in $50 to $74 can add an insulated lunch tote to the award package, and anyone who secures $75 or more receives a baseball cap as well.

It’s important to secure as many pledges as you can, so take your forms to work or school. We’ll have prizes for those who bring in the most money. Some participants have raised more than $1,000.

On walk day between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., we’ll sell coffee and those famous cinnamon rolls to get your morning started. Between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. you’re invited to stroll among the vendor booths for an array of products and information about all types of pets. Gift items will be available for sale if you just want to come and browse.

Following a blessing of the animals, we’ll begin walking at 9 a.m. on a preset course lined with jugs of water and bowls for the dogs, and bottles of water and cans of ice cold pop for the rest of us.

When you return to the school grounds, we’ll start the contests for best animal tricks, owner/pet look-alikes, hairiest dog, most unique mutt and best costume. We also have door prizes to give away throughout the event. Major gifts include Clinton Marina pontoon boat rentals, dog food for a year, Jayhawks men’s basketball preseason tickets and a camping set. Kids can win Southwind movie passes, a stay at the Lawrence Holiday Inn, tickets to Worlds of Fun or a $50 Best Buy gift card.

Lunch will be served between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., so be ready to indulge in hot dogs, chili dogs, chili pie, chips and pop, and, of course, our fantastic Bake Sale.

For everyone’s safety, we ask that you follow a few simple rules. All dogs must be current on their rabies vaccinations on the day of the event. “Strutters” under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone must sign the waiver on the form.

We must insist that all dogs be leashed and under control at all times – it’s the law, and besides, sometimes even the best-behaved canines can forget their manners around so many other four-footers.

Please only bring dogs who are healthy and sociable, and if your female is in any stage of heat, she’ll need to wait until next year to join us.

For more information, call the shelter at 843-6835 or visit us online at www.lawrencehumane.org.