"Mutt Strutt” Brings Paws & Purpose

Talk about a great "Cause"....

 

Mark your calendar for a feel-good Saturday that’s more than just a dog walk. The Venice Lions Club is hosting its first-ever Mutt Strutt on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Laurel Park & Sandra Sims Terry Community Center (509 Collins Road, Nokomis).

 

At its heart, Mutt Strutt is a community event with a mission: raising funds to help a local veteran receive a service dog—a cause that can be life-changing, providing independence, safety, stability, and daily support.

 

The Venice Lions Club has made this a centerpiece of the event, inviting the community to come out, have fun, and help make something tangible happen for someone who served.

 

A BIG highlight: the first public “showing” of the Van of Valor

 

This year’s Mutt Strutt isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s also being billed as the first public “showing” of the Van of Valor. The Van of Valor team has publicly announced they’ll be a guest at the event, giving attendees a chance to see the van up close and learn more about its mission and veteran-focused outreach. If you’ve heard people mention it and wondered what it actually is, this is the day to see it in person.

 

Mutt Strutt is designed to be a full mini-festival, not a quick lap and go home. Event details list a scenic walk, a dog agility demonstration, vendors, food trucks, a photo booth, face painting, giveaways, and a 50/50 raffle. There’s also an opportunity to make a dog toy—either for your own pet or to donate.

 

And the location is a great fit: Laurel Park is a large community park with trails and amenities, and event listings also note access to The Legacy Trail from the park area—perfect for anyone who wants to turn “a walk” into a real stroll.

 

Registration and details

Registration is straightforward: $20 pre-registration and $25 on-site, per the event listing. If you want the simplest “all details in one place” page to share with friends, use the official event listing here: Mutt Strutt event details.

 

Service dogs can help veterans navigate daily life in ways most of us take for granted—mobility support, anxiety interruption, grounding, alert tasks, and practical assistance that restores confidence and independence.

 

That’s what makes this fundraiser more than “cute dogs and food trucks.” It’s community-powered help with a real outcome at the end....

 

plus the Chance to thank those who've placed their lives on the line.....for us!