Mutt Madness boosts joy for a good cause at Equip Expo 2025

By Jenny Yu.  

The annual event continues to draw crowds and find loving homes for dogs. 

The Kentucky Humane Society, the largest animal shelter in Kentucky, returned to the 2025 Equip Expo with its popular Mutt Madness adoption event, bringing 19 furry friends to meet attendees and, ideally, find their new forever homes. Alisa Gray, president and CEO of the Kentucky Humane Society, and Jupiter, one of the dogs up for adoption, spoke with The Coffee Shops™ about the partnership that began eight years ago when TurfMutt and Equip Expo leaders looked for ways to give back to the community.  

“They approached us to see if we'd be willing to do something, and we came up with this great idea and it's grown every year,” Alisa said. Each year, the Kentucky Humane Society brings around 20 dogs of all sizes and ages to offer a moment for attendees to recharge and play in the middle of the busy trade show. “It’s chaos. Madness, but in a good way,” Alisa added.  

One special adoptee, Mulligan, became the “spokesdog” for the TurfMutt Foundation in 2019. Mulligan is an active presence at the Equip Expo and is the face of Mulligan’s 5K and Fun Run, an opportunity in which 300 participants raise between $5,000-$6,000 for the shelter.  

Support from Equip Expo and the TurfMutt Foundation goes beyond the run. Alisa said the groups also donate $10,000 during Mutt Madness. “They’ve given over $100,000 through the foundation and through Equip, and we’ve adopted over 70 dogs over the eight years,” Alisa shared. “It’s a great partnership. We couldn’t be more grateful to Kris Kiser and the TurfMutt Foundation.” 

In less than an hour of being at the show, nine dogs had already been adopted. The event has become such a popular and beloved tradition that expo attendees often plan ahead by driving, hoping they return home with a new family member. “We’ve never had any brought back,” Alisa stated. “Great people, great homes.”  

Alisa encouraged viewers to consider adopting or supporting their local shelter. “If you can’t adopt, you can foster, volunteer or donate.” 

Watch the full interview and learn more about the Kentucky Humane Society.