NEW EGYPT – Their coats, fur, and paws were as clean as can be. Tails: wagging and fabulous. Their costumes: on point.
The first ever Pup Strut Dog Parade at New Egypt Recreation Field was a success as local doggies came out to show off their Halloween costumes. Owners and dogs alike strutted their stuff on a quarter-mile paved walkway. Prizes for best costumes were given out after the parade. And treats were available for all good dogs.
Notable costumes in the parade included a spaghetti-and-meatballs ensemble, with a chef outfit as part of the group category. A werewolf, tiny but mighty, also took to the path to show off its outfit. Many town spirit dogs came out to show their pride for New Egypt. Several pumpkins, skeletons, bees, princesses, and even mustard, relish, and ketchup outfits on three wiener dogs were part of the festivities.
Although it was a lot of fun for the people and puppers alike, the event raised money for the New Egypt Historical Society. Sarah Cunningham, one of the event organizers, was on hand to talk about the much-needed repairs for a piece of New Egypt’s community.
“The Pup Strut is a fundraiser to help raise money to resurface our Oakford Lake Walking Bridge,” said Cunningham. “This is our first Pup Strut, and I hope it becomes our first annual and it happens every year.”
The Oakford Lake Walking Bridge is part of Oakford Lake Park and serves as a pedestrian route, providing access to freshwater fishing and a playground. According to Cunningham, the New Egypt Historical Society will collect the donations and funds raised at the event and then donate the money to help with the renovations.
Cunningham, who moved to New Egypt in 2022, spoke about how supportive the town and community have been. “I love the feeling here. I love feeling like part of a community. Even though I’ve only been here for a short period of time, people have lived here for generations, and they really care about the town. I think that’s something special we should celebrate.”
Others in town were integral to bringing this event together.
Stacy Reed, a member of the New Egypt Historical Society, was one of those people. “She helped so much in putting this together. We came to her with this idea about doing a fun fundraiser to bring the community together; she helped navigate all of this. How to request the park, how to get vendors…she has been absolutely phenomenal,” said Cunningham.
Al Drucker, the Township’s Information Officer, was also among the people Cunningham worked with to set up the event. “He’s been so supportive. The whole township council and the mayor; they’ve all been really wonderful,” she said.
Some local businesses donated gifts for the event. Donors included New Egypt Marketplace (IGA), AG-U Country, Emery’s Farm, Woof House Studio, Precision Dog Sport, and others. The parade judges awarded prizes in categories such as Most Town Spirit, Most Creative Costume, and Best Group Costume.
The event also featured shelter dogs looking for forever homes. Amazing Mutts Puppy Rescue, Inc. had about 12 dogs that were available for adoption. Based out of New Egypt, this dog rescue serves Ocean, Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth, and Middlesex County. To check out dogs for adoption, visit amazingmuttspuppyrescue.com
Several dog-themed vendors attended the parade and had all types of doggie treats available for sale. Michael Prescott of NJ Boxer Rescue spoke about what they do for local rescue dogs. “We’ve been around for about 20 years, and we’ve rescued hundreds of boxer dogs,” said Prescott. “We’ve all had boxer dogs, and they’re great with families, great with kids. We rescue them from anyone. Shelters will contact us if they have a boxer, and we’ll rescue them. Everyone, from servicemen who go overseas and can’t take the dog, to anyone who is struggling. There have been many abandoned dogs with numerous health problems that we’ve rescued.”
Prescott spoke about boxers, who have a higher risk of cancer in dogs. He also said boxers are a high-energy breed, so owners should be ready for lots of walks if they are looking for one.
Also in attendance was Michael Fraas, owner of Precision Dog Sport. His booth had several well-trained dogs relaxing on doggie beds. Fraas, a retired police officer who got into this career because of his first service dog, has been in business for about 16 years. “What we do for about 95% of our business is people and their overstimulated dogs,” said Fraas. “We are basically teaching dogs the art of calm.”
Fraas has worked with all types of dogs – service dogs and civilian dogs alike. His business specializes in teaching dogs’ obedience for “bite work” and service work. He also did a demonstration at the Pup Strut after the parade and can be found on social media platforms including YouTube.
For those feline lovers, the Plumsted TNR tent was also at the event. This nonprofit organization accepted monetary donations, food, litter, and other supplies to support the services it provides to local cat populations. They have volunteered their time and effort since 2012.
A wildlife rehabilitator also had a booth at the Pup Strut. Frina’s Promise Wildlife Rescue, owned by Chrissy Cashin and family, has offered wildlife rescue for over 30 years. “We help raccoons, opossums, squirrels, chipmunks, groundhogs, bunnies; any type of orphaned or injured animals,” she said.
Since recently being licensed in the state of New Jersey, Cashin is established in Jackson and has a veterinary hospital background. She and her family attended the event to introduce themselves to the community. “We have handouts to give the community for educational purposes. To give people the information about how and when to intervene with wildlife,” she said.
Some local wildlife is considered a “rabies vector species,” and Cashin said the best thing to do if you’re not sure is to call a wildlife rehabber.
After the pups came back from their stroll, the owners and dogs could find all kinds of treats in the vendor area. Booths like We BBQ for You and Salty Paws Doggie Ice Cream were available for purchase.
To learn more about the event or the New Egypt Historical Society, contact them at: (609) 758-8111.
