Saturday, July 30 will be a busy day in Boothbay Harbor, especially for dogs.

That day marks the 4th annual Mutt Scrub, hosted by Two Salty Dogs Pet Outfitters.

Described as more of a festival than a fundraiser, there will be dog washing and grooming, nail trimming, pet-friendly games, big prizes, a silent auction of gifts donated by local shops and all kinds of free stuff. There will also be rounds of doggie musical chairs, a talent show for dogs, and music provided by MC Meow Meow, someone everyone should know. This is how he's described on the Two Salty Dogs website. “Our lovely and talented MC Meow Meow will lift your spirits with cheerful and sporting competitions like Doggie Musical Chairs where the last dog to sit when the music stops is OUT, and the Canine Talent Show where anything goes!”

Don Kingsbury, owner of Two Salty Dogs, said last year's event raised over $3,500.

Most of the money raised is through the raffle tickets. They are $2 per ticket or $20 for 12, with prizes ranging from gift certificates to local restaurants and shops, to local pet service providers. All proceeds benefit the Lincoln County Animal Shelter. The shelter will be showcasing dogs up for adoption, and with donations from the crowd, volunteers will give them sudsy scrubs. Coastal Humane Society and Lincoln County Animal Shelter will waive $100 adoption fees for any pet adopted at the event. Fees are normally $300 - $350.

Shampoos and conditioners have been donated by Mutt Nose Best Natural Pet Products. They are made in the Bangor area, and are environmentally friendly and sulfate-free.

“We get a bunch of really great kids and grownups helping out at the scrub,” Kingsbury said. “Last year we had a team from Robinson's Wharf who came over and washed dogs, and we had Dave Rumnye from Car Quest who, with his family, washed dogs all day.” Anyone who'd like to help scrub mutts this year can call Two Salty Dogs and ask for Don. One hour per volunteer is all that's asked.

Raffle tickets can be purchased at Two Salty Dogs or online. Take a chance to win one, or several, great prizes, including: a $75 gift certificate for Robinson's Wharf; a $100 gift certificate for Boathouse Bistro, Mine Oyster or Cod's Head; a $75 gift certificate for Ports of Italy; Four small (gorgeous) oyster plates from Alison Evans Ceramics; six months of pet food from Blue Buffalo; 10 days of doggie daycare form Coastal Dog; a $50 gift certificate from Slick's Boutique; and many more. Visit the website to see all.

The event will take place on the lawn across from Two Salty Dogs, at 22 McKown Street from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit Mutt Scrub Home Page for more information.

If you'd like to volunteer or have questions, email Mutt-Srub@twosaltydogs.net or call Two Salty Dogs Pet Outfitters at 207-633-7387 and ask for Don.

Help get the word out: Go to the Mutt Scrub Home Page and download a high-res poster, print them, and get them up wherever you can.