Longview's 'Strut Your Mutt' Walk Raises Funds for Animal Shelter

Annual event sees record turnout with over 350 dogs and 1,000 people in attendance.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:52pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph showing a group of people and dogs walking together on a path, with the background blurred into soft, warm pools of color and light, capturing the joyful energy of the community event.The annual 'Strut Your Mutt' walk in Longview brings together a vibrant community of dog owners and their beloved pets to support the local animal shelter.Longview Today

Longview PAWS hosted their ninth annual 'Strut Your Mutt' event to support the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center. The one-mile 'Wag Walk' featured a variety of dog breeds, with many of the pets previously up for adoption at the shelter. The event raised money for the center through vendor booths and registrations, with funds going towards small costs like new toys as well as larger construction projects.

Why it matters

The 'Strut Your Mutt' walk is an important annual fundraiser that helps support the operations and expansion of the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center, which plays a vital role in finding forever homes for rescued pets in the East Texas region.

The details

The event featured a one-mile 'Wag Walk' through a maze of local vendors, with around 350 dogs and nearly 1,000 people in attendance - a new record for the event. Many of the pets at the walk were previously up for adoption at the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center. The funds raised from vendor booths, registrations, and other activities go towards supporting the center's operations, including small costs like new chew toys as well as larger construction projects.

  • The ninth annual 'Strut Your Mutt' event took place on March 29, 2026.
  • The event has been held annually for the past 9 years.

The players

Longview PAWS

A local non-profit organization that hosts the annual 'Strut Your Mutt' event to support the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center.

Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center

The animal shelter that benefits from the funds raised at the 'Strut Your Mutt' event, using the money for operational costs and expansion projects.

Jackie Reynolds

The Executive Director of Longview PAWS.

Ted Gatsch

A pet owner who attended the 'Strut Your Mutt' event.

Sandy Brinkley

A pet owner who attended the 'Strut Your Mutt' event.

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What they’re saying

“There's nothing else like it in East Texas!”

— Jackie Reynolds, Executive Director, Longview PAWS

“If you've got a dog and a free Saturday morning, this was a great way to spend it.”

— Ted Gatsch, Pet owner

“We take so much pride in finding these animals their forever homes, just being able to see them come out and that they're happy...that's the best part.”

— Jackie Reynolds, Executive Director, Longview PAWS

“All pets need love! And this place gives them a lot of love. And the more support we can give them, the better they can take care of these animals.”

— Sandy Brinkley, Pet owner

“Bought the bird and immediately came out here. I was like 'Oh I'm gonna take my peacock to the strut your mutt event -- just for a laugh! He's definitely not a mutt!”

— Amanda Weems, Pet owner

What’s next

Longview PAWS encourages the community to follow their social media accounts to stay informed about future 'Strut Your Mutt' events and other initiatives to support the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center.

The takeaway

The overwhelming success of the 'Strut Your Mutt' event, with record-breaking attendance, demonstrates the strong community support for the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center and the important role it plays in caring for rescued pets in the region.