The Mutt Hutt: Saving Puppies and Throwing Parties

There are a handful of organizations and businesses in this town that I just absolutely love. One of them, without a doubt, is The Mutt Hutt. When I have to abandon Smelly Ellie for a few days for work and there isn't a trusted friend to watch here, The Mutt Hutt is the one and only one place in Northeast Ohio I'm willing to leave her.

Part of that is because the idea of The Mutt Hutt is so cool - it is basically a house that has around-the-clock staffing so the dogs can hang out and play with other dogs the whole time they are being boarded, rather than be stuck in small cages, nervous and lonely and sad. The other part of it, however, is that just by talking with Mutt Hutt owner, Becca Riker, and any of her staff, you quickly learn just how deeply and passionately they care about dogs (an affection shared at CB HQ, if you couldn't already tell).

This month, Riker and co., with the help of some other laudable businesses and individuals in town, are promoting a series of events to help raise money and awareness for some very deserving charities and non-profits. Right now, times are tough for everybody, especially non-profits. And since our four-legged friends can't really fend for themselves (nor do they carry any of the blame for the massive screw-ups that led to this economic climate in the first place), the least we could do is help these organizations out while having a good time!

Below is a list of the various events, with pertinent information for each. If you have any questions, leave a comment or send me an email and I'll do my best to investigate for you, or contact Becca directly through The Mutt Hutt by phone at 216-621-MUTT or via email at tmhATthemutthutt.com.


SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2009
TAIL WAGGIN' TALENT SHOW & WHITE PARTY
Proceeds go directly to the Friends of Cleveland kennel

Benefits: Friends of the Cleveland Kennel
Where: Redstone Tavern, 1261 West 76th Street
Time: Door Open 6:30 PM, Raffle and Talent Show begins at 7:30 PM, White Party to follow
Contact: http://www.friendsofclevelandkennel.com/upcoming_events.html
INFO: $7 cover



SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2009
SUMMER SCOOP
Proceeds go directly to The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs

Benefits: The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs
Where: Brookside Reservation within the Cleveland Metroparks
Time: 3-7 PM
Contact: http://www.thesanctuaryforseniordogs.org
INFO: Prizes, contests, raffles, treats, food, and games. There is something exciting for everyone at the 9th annual Summer Scoop and Reunion. And for the dogs (and people) who just like to relax, lots of shade trees and a covered pavilion provide places to sit and watch the action. As always, admission is free. The pavilion is fully accessible, and there is plenty of free parking. The Brookside Reservation is on John Nagy Boulevard off of Ridge Road in Cleveland near the Cleveland Zoo.



FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2009
RESCUE RAVE DOGGIE DISCO
Proceeds go directly to participating Rescue Rave shelters in northeast Ohio

Benefits: Over 23 participating local shelters in northeast Ohio
Where: The Mutt Hutt, 2603 Scranton Road 44113
Time: 7:30 PM
Contact: http://www.RescueRave.com
INFO: $5 - Can't make the event? You can donate on-line via paypal at http://www.RescueRave.com
Socialized dogs on leash are invited (one per family please). Owners must be present with their dog.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2009
RESCUE RAVE ROCK SHOW
Proceeds go directly to participating Rescue Rave shelters in northeast Ohio
Featuring Coffinberry (TMH's own Nick Cross and Tony Janicek), Mother Country Madman & Uno Lady.

Benefits: Over 23 participating local shelters in northeast Ohio
Where: Happy Dog, 5801 Detroit Avenue
Time: Doors Open 8 PM
Contact: http://www.RescueRave.com
INFO: $5 - Can't make the event? You can donate on-line via paypal at http://www.RescueRave.com
50/50 Raffle and Raffle prizes too! 21 & Over

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009
2nd ANNUAL GREAT LAKES BREWING CO. RESCUE RAVE
The-Dog-Gone-Home-Show

Benefits: Over 23 participating local shelters in northeast Ohio
Where: Gateway Animal Clinic parking lot
Location: 1502 Abbey Avenue
Time: 11 AM - 4 PM
Contact: http://www.RescueRave.com
INFO: Free Admission - Can't make the event? You can donate on-line via paypal at http://www.RescueRave.com Food, Ice Cream, Beer Garden, Watering Hole (for the dogs), Dog Show featuring "Best Tail Wag", "Best Monster Mix" and more (Dog Show Entry $20), 50/50 Raffle and Raffle prizes too!

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009
HUMP DAY CELEBRITY BARTENDING HAPPY HOUR

Benefits: Secondhand Mutts and Berea Animal Rescue
Where: Garage Bar
Location: 1859 West 25th Street
Time: 5 PM - 9 PM
Contact: http://www.SecondhandMutts.org or http://www.BereaAnimalRescue.com
INFO: Free Admission - Can't make the event? You can donate a tip to your favorite bartender on-line via paypal at http://www.BereaAnimalRescue.com Join us and order a drink from Councilman Joe Cimperman (Cleveland City Council), Dr. Bob (Gateway Animal Clinic), Rebecca Wilde (Q104), Glenn Anderson (Q104), Bud Shaw (Cleveland Plain Dealer Sports Writer), Eileen McShea (Cleveland TV Personality), CPD Firefighter Joe (Ohio City Station #4) and Ursula Allison (Burning River Roller Girl)



SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009
CRUISE FOR THE CRITTERS & POOCH PARADE

Benefits: Project Noah
Where: Gateway Animal Clinic
Location: 1502 Abbey Avenue 44113
Time: 9 AM
Contact: 216-961-1740
INFO: Registration forms for the race available at TMH and Gateway Animal Clinic. 5K Roadrace and 1 mile pooch parade through Tremont.