HOUGHTON — On Wednesday, April 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dial Help will host the second annual Puppy Parade for Sexual Assault Awareness at Kestner Park on the waterfront in Houghton. The event is free and open to the public.

“We would love to have you pledge your support to survivors of sexual assault and abuse and walk with your pup at the same time,” Sexual Assault Services Coordinator Paige Setter-Hallwachs said. “Last year was an amazing first event, and this year should be even better.”

In addition to the live event on April 27, the event’s course will be open from April 21 to May 1 for those who want to participate at another time. Signage will be placed along the course to help raise awareness of the issues related to sexual assault beginning April 21.

Those who pre-register for the event on April 27 will receive a free t-shirt and small or large dog bandana(s) that will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on the event date for those who have registered.

Registration information will be done through RunSignUp.com, a link can be found at dialhelp.org.

To keep humans and dogs safe, Dial Help asks that only dogs with good histories of being in public to attend the in-person event on April 27. To help keep everyone safe, Dial Help will have colored tags at the event. Every dog will need one of these tags on their leash. Be mindful of colored tags on leashes.

This year marks the fourth year in a row the Copper Country, led by Dial Help, has come together to observe this movement. Early on it was social media posts alone, especially with Black Ice Comics as a partner in Houghton. In the second year Dial Help worked with more community partners like Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, SAIL, Michigan Technological University and Finlandia University. In 2021, it took a big step forward when the Puppy Parade was added with support from local law enforcement and the City of Houghton.