Utica Puppy Parade to return at end of month

UTICA — Dog lovers will once again gather for the annual Utica Puppy Parade at 2 p.m. April 27 in downtown Utica with all sorts of activities and animal support groups brought together for a cause.

Utica Mayor Gus Calandrino said the Utica Puppy Parade continues to grow each year.

“I’m proud that this event brings attention to the prevention of cruelty to animals. The Utica Puppy Parade brings together so many important organizations who are advocating for this cause,” he said.

He said he’d like to thank John Johnson and the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce for their generosity in providing the grant for the event’s featured organization, the Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society.

Every year, the Utica Puppy Parade honors a dog as its “special guest.”

“This is a dog who has survived extraordinary abuse and neglect and is thriving due to the love and care of a rescue or shelter group. This year’s ‘special guest’ is Fritz who received his care from the Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society. He is currently under the foster care of Michelle Laskowski,” he said.

He said he also is grateful to the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce for its generous offer to sponsor Fritz’s caregiver with a $1,000 grant.

“This money will help the Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society recoup some of the cost of caring for Fritz and allow them to help other dogs in need of care,” Calandrino said.

He said this year’s Utica Puppy Parade will be the biggest and best yet.

“We will be introducing our new 25-foot inflatable puppy named ‘Chief.’ We will also feature a bounce house for the kids, Pop’s Eats on the Streets food truck, and of course the Puppy Parade. The always dynamic Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson will be in attendance and offering a few words about the importance of caring for our animals,” he said.

Michelle Laskowski said she was introduced to Fritz when he was around a week old.

“Fritz, a five-month-old Rottweiler puppy, was discovered in a park merely a day or two old, where he had been mishandled by two young children. Upon arrival at the Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society, it was evident that Fritz was in distress, with his left eye bleeding and his right ear swollen and also bleeding. Fortunately, the veterinary clinic manager, Katie, took Fritz under her wing, nurturing him back to health through dedicated care, including bottle feeding and round-the-clock monitoring. While Katie was at work, Fritz accompanied her to the clinic, where the exceptional staff assisted in nurturing this endearing young pup throughout the workday,” she said.

Weekly photography sessions and videos showed Fritz’s growth and development.

“By the time Fritz reached 7 weeks (old), I had the privilege of fostering him,” Laskowski said.

She said Fritz’s intelligence and playful nature, coupled with his large paws, make him a delightful companion.

“As Fritz matured, it became evident that he would face enduring challenges stemming from his challenging beginnings, necessitating multiple surgeries in the days ahead. On February 22, 2024, Fritz underwent several surgeries led by Dr. Alice from the Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society Vet Clinic. The procedures involved the removal of the remaining tissue from his eye, closure of the affected eye, correction of facial scarring, extraction of extra toes and dewclaws from his hind feet, and neutering. Following the surgeries, Fritz returned home with me and is progressing remarkably well,” she said.

Organizers of the Utica Puppy Parade hope people will come out and have some fun and meet Fritz. The parade starts at Grant Park and ends at Pioneer Dog Park.

For more information, visit cityofutica.org.