By Catherine Nance
Special to DNAinfo.com New York
MANHATTAN — New York's gone to the dogs.
Animal rescue groups and dog lovers gathered at the Hudson River's Pier 84 Sunday for the 3rd annual Best Friends Animal Society's Strutt Your Mutt — raising money for dog rescue groups as plucky pooches put their best paw forward.
Dogs and their owners or sponsoring rescue groups took a leisurely two-mile stroll and then gathered for festivities along the pier at 43rd Street, which boasted complimentary doggie treats, doggie massage and yoga as well as free consultations with pet trainers and specialists.
There were also doggie kisses exchanged at the kissing booth, photo ops, contests and pet adoptions held on the main stage.
Dogs lovers from across the Tri-State area raised money for the walk and the groups they represented, such as the Toby Project, the top fundraiser, and Long Island Bulldog Rescue, which came in second.
Long Island Bulldog Rescue has a page on the Strutt Your Mutt website dedicated to a pooch named Arthur, who alone has helped raise over $1,500 for the organization. Arthur was unable to attend because he was recovering from surgery.
"I had so hoped Arthur could be here today but he is here in spirit," said his foster mom, Guilia Pistoro, who carried his photo on a sign during the event. "We worked hard to raise money for this event. Some of the money that is raised for the organization LIBR today will go to pay some of his medical bills."
Many other local rescue groups participated in the event, including Curly Tail Pug Rescue, Bully Breed Rescue, Citty Critters and Special Needs Rescue Group with their 4-month-old dog Gabrielle, which is now for adoption.
For more information go to www.StruttYourMutt.org.
