Why We’re Missing the PAWS Mutt Strut This Year
There are very few things that could convince us to miss the 2026 Mutt Strut. Unfortunately, we have discovered one.
This year, the PAWS Mutt Strut happens to fall at the same time as the DogCo Summit in North Carolina. I will be heading south to join other owners of large pet care companies for a panel discussion about operations, leadership, and the state of the industry.
Fun fact: I used to hate public speaking, but I find when I'm talking about pet care and business ownership my fear falls away. I'm honored and thrilled to get up on stage in a few weeks with some fierce women, running amazing companies.
After more than 21 years of running The Monster Minders, I’ve learned quite a bit about building a dependable dog-walking company, supporting an employee team, and managing all the complicated work that happens behind the scenes. I’m excited to contribute to an honest conversation about where the industry is now and what responsible growth should look like in the years ahead.
Still, we're genuinely sad to miss the Mutt Strut.
PAWS does tremendous work for Philadelphia’s animals, and the Mutt Strut is one of those wonderfully Philly events where dogs, costumes, community, and a very good cause all come together. It is also an excellent place to admire hundreds of dogs in one afternoon, which I consider a legitimate recreational activity. I'm sad my hands won't be sticky from slinging pup cups this year.
Since I can’t be there this year, I would love to send a few more members of the Monster Minders community in my place.
Register for the Mutt Strut, bring your dog, support PAWS, and give every particularly excellent costume the attention it deserves. I’ll be cheering everyone on from North Carolina.
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