KENNEBUNK — There were large dogs, small dogs, dogs in costumes. Hundreds of dogs and their owners took part Sunday in the 19th annual Strut Your Mutt, walking the two-mile loop that began and ended at Mother’s Beach.

“There’s a dog of every size, color, temperament ”¦ everything,” said Kerrie Leclair, director of development for the Animal Welfare Society.

Leclair said organizers expected about 350 participants and their dogs.

The walk raises money for the AWS Sadie Fund, which every year provides about $150,000 of medical care for aged, homeless or sick animals ”“ animals like Soldier, a mixed-breed dog who was shot in the leg in Indiana about three weeks ago.

“He’s doing fantastic in his new home,” said Leclair.

Soldier, who recently had his leg amputated, was sitting in a cart pulled by owner and AWS Animal Care Technician Shawna Lapierre-Barth. She said Soldier was able to walk, but for long hauls like Sunday’s event, he used the cart.

“He’s a great dog,” she said.

Leclair said last year, the walk raised $69,000, and organizers were hoping to raise $70,000 this year.

“Every year, we beat (what we made) the year before,” she said.

Stuart Weston of Sanford was with his two rescue dogs, Lydia and Donner, which were dressed up as a cat and a monster.

Weston said he’s been going to the annual event for four years.

“We love it,” he said.

He said the area is fortunate to have an organization like AWS, and he likes to support it.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].