August 29th

By Mutt Mulligan

TurfMutt announces MUTT MADNESS adoption event

TurfMutt is excited to announce a new event to add to his list of good works: the inaugural TurfMutt Adoption Event, “MUTT MADNESS.” The event, in partnership with the Kentucky Humane Society (KHS), takes place Thursday, October 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Freedom Hall at the Kentucky Exposition Center. It’s happening during GIE+EXPO, the outdoor living and equipment exposition, the industry’s trade show. TurfMutt and the show also will donate a $10,000 check to KHS to support their good work in animal rehabilitation, rescue and adoption.

Here’s what Kris Kiser, TurfMutt’s devoted human and President of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), had to say about the event. “Why are we doing this? Well, parents know kids want a house with a yard because kids want a house with a dog,” says Kiser. “And, who knows your yard best? Your dog. Who empowers the making of that yard? The exhibitors, partners and attendees of GIE+EXPO. It made sense to pull them together.” He notes that the event is also ideal for pet adoption because thousands of GIE+EXPO attendees drive to the event, making it easier for them to bring home a rescued pet.

“We are thrilled to partner with OPEI and TurfMutt to raise awareness about pet adoption,” says Robin Vincent, KHS’s shelter director. “In shelters across the country, there are wonderful animals waiting for families to love them.”

It all began a decade ago, when TurfMutt was launched as a cartoon education program in a handful of Sacramento-based elementary schools with the help of well-known children’s education organization Weekly Reader. After forging partnerships with numerous federal agencies and nonprofits, TurfMutt is now delivered to thousands of educators and students in grades K-5 annually by education curriculum partner, Scholastic. Kiser and TurfMutt have been an on-screen education voice on CBS’s Lucky Dog television show and will appear in a new broadcast television show debuting this fall on the CW Network.

“Supporting the adoption of rescue dogs in my favorite city, Louisville, makes sense,” says Kiser. “I’m a University of Louisville alumnus, and this city has been good to me, OPEI and GIE+EXPO. This was another way for us to give back to the city that planted the seed for the show so many years ago.” (Louisville has been the industry’s trade show home since its inception 34 years ago.)

“Our ‘show dogs’ and puppies at MUTT MADNESS will hail from the KHS, which operates the Louisville animal shelters and will process adoption paperwork,” says Kiser. GIE+EXPO attendees are encouraged to find their next best friend and own backyard superhero during the TurfMutt event.

“Paw it Forward and give back to our host city by adopting a backyard superhero in need,” Kiser encourages.