Come Strut Your Mutt with Us

By Sarah Mahan of This Farm Family's Life

In addition to Earth Day, Indiana's Family of Farmers will join dogs and their owners as they hit the pavement and take part in the annual Mutt Strut to benefit the Humane Society of Indianapolis on April 28th. They will walk the historic oval at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  Indiana's Family of Farmers is taking part in Mutt Strut to show their support and start a dialogue between pet owners and farmers about how animals are raised on farms to ensure they are given the best care possible.

Sarah Ford, IFOF's chairperson for the event, said that Indy Humane is the first choice in providing services for shelter cats and dogs.  These services include adoption, foster home placement, behavior training, medical care, and affordable spay/neuter services.  In 2011, Indy Humane helped over 2,300 cats and dogs find homes.

Dr. Sandi Norman, a veterinarian and Director of Companion Animal/Equine at the Indiana State Board of Health, is a huge supporter of Mutt Strut.  "Humane Society of Indy is the largest private animal shelter in the state and works with all the rescues to benefit animals.  Money raised during Mutt Strut helps benefit animals all over the state by helping Indy Humane work with all the various rescue groups to impact Indiana animals."

You can see Dr. Norman most Mondays at noon on Channel 13 WTHR news where she shares tips for pet owners. Dr. Norman would like to personally invite all of you to the event. "Come on down and bring your dog, big or small.  There is a short course and a long course and all the dogs seem to get along.  There are a number of vendors who provide unique services for the pet owner.  Everybody has a great time!" 

For more information, or if you would like to donate, go to  http://indymuttstrut.org/ . 

Lovin' Our Pets and Our Pigs

By Sarah Ford of Indiana Pork

At Indiana’s Family of Farmers, we love our pets and our pigs.  Whether our household pet (and we all have at least one good barn dog) or our precious livestock, taking care of the animals entrusted to us is a duty and a privilege. 

That’s why IFOF is a sponsor of the 8^th Annual Mutt Strut sponsored by the Humane Society of Indianapolis.  The event, which will be held next Sunday, May 1 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, gives dog lovers the chance to walk around the famous track for a good cause.  All proceeds will go to the Humane Society of Indianapolis – so you can know that Indiana animals will be cared for with the proceeds!

Stop by the IFOF booth and dress up your pup with an IFOF bandana.  All it takes is a $1 donation to the humane society to take one home with you.

It’s not too late to register – Plus, how cool is it to walk you dog around the greatest track in the world?!

In honor of our involvement with the Indy Mutt Strut  (and because we just love all things animals) Indiana’s Family of Farmers is making a special offer.

We are going to donate $250 to your favorite local pet shelter.  All you have to do is reply to this post with your nomination.  Tell us why this shelter is worthy of our donation – of course, cute puppy and kitty pics are always welcome!

So tell us your story (on here, facebook or twitter) and we’ll choose a winner later this week!