Fitness Specialist Pat Harkenreader got her dog Buddy, a three-and-a- half- year- old border collie, from a rescue shelter. Harkenreader said that her dog is not one to sit still and loves to be on the move. “Border collies are the workaholics in the dog kingdom. I gave him a hula hoop that he jumps through and poles that he weaves between to keep him active. Most of the time he is obedient, but when he becomes focused on something else it can be tough for him to re-focus. But a good treat can help,” she says, adding that Buddy’s favorite treat is string cheese.

Pet-friendly community
The Strut Your Mutt event was sponsored by the Seabrook Pet Club in association with the community’s resident life department. “We offer many things to do for people to stay active at Seabrook, from dance and current events classes to card groups and video games,” said Resident Life Director Gary Engelstad.

“Since we also have a fair amount of dog owners, we thought it would be a great idea to include pooches and create a fun new activity.”

Members of the Seabrook Pet Club not only get together and share stories, but also manage the rules and regulations of pet ownership at the community and help each other care for their pets when on vacation or visiting family and friends.

The club’s mission: “To educate all of our residents about responsible pet ownership.” Founded by Gene Phillips soon after he moved there in May 2006, the club provides a handful of helpful services to the community’s pet owners.

The group meets the first Friday of the month to discuss issues, share pet joys and concerns, plan future projects, and listen to guest speakers.

They plan Strut Your Mutt annually, and Seabrook community resources Manager Susan Coulson says, “Strut Your Mutt day is one of the most highly anticipated events at Seabrook each year, and this one was no exception. All the humans enjoyed themselves, but the four-legged friends probably had the best time of all.”