'K9 Katwalk' to raise funds for Midland County Pit Stop to foster pets – Midland Daily News

Sam Zee and Lilly in Midland in October 2019, the day he got her out of foster care with Midland County Pit Stop. He said it was one of the happiest days of his life and it was good knowing she was cared for during his time away.
Midland County Pit Stop is dressing up for their largest fundraiser when dogs take the stage for the first K9 Katwalk from 6 to 9 p.m. May 19. Tickets are on sale now. Dogs don’t have to be donning diamond crusted bras or wings, but it’s okay if they do. Limited space is available to enter your dog-friendly dog.
For pet owners who become homeless, are incarcerated or hospitalized, their concern often shifts from their situation to what will happen to their beloved pet.
Midland County Pit Stop is hosting a fundraiser on Thursday, May 19 to help those people and their pets.
Pit Stop Vice President Gwen Drake said the organization is holding its biggest fundraiser – the “K9 Katwalk” fashion show – at Betten Baker’s car lot at 2400 North Saginaw Road in Midland.
Event organizers are seeking well-behaved dogs to participate. Drake said they are planning to showcase about 50 dogs and already have 40 signed up.
“Every dog has to have their own handler,” Drake said.
The dealership loaned the space free of charge for the dog fashion show. The event also includes food trucks, a karaoke competition and a silent auction. The event is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m.
Anyone who wants to enter their dog, help with the event, sponsor or donate to the cause can do so by dropping items off at Lil’ Pear Tree, 702 South Saginaw Road, or by visiting https://www.facebook.com/midlandcountypitstop.
To purchase tickets for the event, one can visit Lil’ Pear Tree or buy online at https://www.midlandcountypitstop.org/
The fundraiser will help benefit the MCPS foster program. When people are incarcerated or must leave home for medical reasons or go into a shelter, they don’t always have family to take in their pets.
Sam Zee was jailed for drunken driving in October 2019 while living in Mount Pleasant, where he formerly attended CMU. He didn’t know what would happen with his 14-year-old Goldador, Lilly, which he has had since his 10^th birthday. Zee’s family friend reached out to Midland County Pit Stop. The organization found a couple to foster Lilly.
“I was terrified she would be put to sleep because of her age,” Zee said, noting he was so happy to hear the MCPS stepped in.
Zee said he made a mistake by drinking and driving, but that doesn’t make him a bad pet owner. He wants to thank Drake and the couple that fostered Lilly.  
“I can’t say enough good things about the program and the people,” Zee said.
Drake explained that there are many reasons people might have to be away from their pets and they need someone to step in. She also gets requests from Shelterhouse in Midland for people needing a safe place for their animals.
MCPS also helps find forever homes for animals. Drake said they have done 418 adoptions since June 2018, when they started.

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