RURAL HILL NEWS RELEASE
Contact: 704.875.3113 or office@ruralhill.net

RURAL HILL HOSTS “STRUT YOUR MUTT” TO
BENEFIT FRIENDS FOR LIFE LAKE NORMAN AT ITS
SHEEP DOG TRIALS NOVEMBER 7

October 6, 2009

HUNTERSVILLE, NC:  On Saturday, November 7 at 10 AM Rural Hill will host the “Strut Your Mutt” Spay/Neuter March in conjunction with its 15th Annual Sheep Dog Trials presented by PETCO.  Participants will be able strut their favorite K9’s in competition in the southern area of the historic Rural Hill grounds to raise funds for Humane Animal Rescue efforts and Friends for Life Spay/Neuter Programs.  The first three K9 competitors to finish the walk, and if their human companions correctly answer trivia questions, will win valuable prize baskets. There will also be an award for Best-Dressed K9 competitor.  Rural Hill executive director Ed McLean says, “We are always open to building community partnerships and the Strut Your Mutt Spay/Neuter March is a natural fit for our Sheep Dog Trials event.  It is a privilege to open Rural Hill to the community for outreach activities.”  To participate in the Strut Your Mutt March, you may register on site beginning at 9 AM.  Cost to participate in the March is $10 for the first Canine entry and $5 for each additional Canine in your walking party.  Two legged friends walk for free!  Note: The Sheep Dog Trials and activities are held in the northern area of the Rural Hill grounds and admission is separate from the Strut Your Mutt March. 

The Strut Your Mutt Spay/Neuter March at 10 AM kicks off theRally to Rescue Pet Expo and Adoption Pet Fair by Friends for Life Lake Norman (www.friends4lifelkn.com). There will be rescue organizations and animal control facilities featuring pets available for adoption, educational awareness activities, animal related vendor exhibits, entertainment, food, and children’s activities on site until 3 PM.  Jan Scere of Friends for Life Lake Norman comments, “We are so pleased with the partnership with Rural Hill for this event, and extend our thanks to Purina and our many partners who help make this possible.”  Jan was recently named as the grand prize winner of WSOC-TV’s 2009 Nine Who Care Awards.   
The 15th Annual Rural Hill Sheep Dog Trials are November 7 & 8 and are presented by PETCO with additional support from the Greater Charlotte Shetland Sheepdog Club.  Sanctioned by the United States Border Collies Handlers Association, more than 100 dogs will be competing.  Gates open at 8 AM, competition begins at 8:30 and additional activities begin at 10 AM including the Dog Sport Demo Field presented by the Greater Charlotte Sheltie Club, a bounce house and inflatables, hayrides, mazes, livestock and more!  Lakecross Veterinary Hospital will provide free registration for Huntersville dogs and cats with proof of rabies vaccination.  Food and beverages will be available for purchase.  Admission is $10 per person ages 13+, $7 per child ages 5-12, and children ages 4 and under are admitted free.  Dogs are welcome to attend with their families and must be leashed and under their owner’s control.  The complete schedule of events is available at www.ruralhill.net.   Proceeds from all annual events are used for the preservation of Historic Rural Hill and its educational programs. 

Rural Hill is located at 4431 Neck Road (off Beatties Ford Road) in Huntersville, 28078.  The former homestead of Major John and Violet Davidson, the 265 acre site is maintained and promoted by The Catawba Valley Scottish Society (CVSS).  Rural Hill features annual events such as the Rural Hill Scottish Festival and Loch Norman Highland Games, the Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze and the Rural Hill Sheep Dog Trials.  CVSS is a non-profit organization supported through membership and donations, and with proceeds from its events utilized for the preservation of historic Rural Hill and its education efforts.  For more information on events or for financial support accepted securely online, please visit www.ruralhill.net.