Across the road from Two Salty Dogs July 27, canines cavorted as they have for 49 years of Mutt Scrub. Well, that’s in dog years. The highly anticipated, seventh annual event dug in with doggie musical chairs, a doggie talent show and other festivities with barely a cloud in sight.

With 63 dogs trotting away squeaky clean, the event was just one pup shy of matching last year’s scrubs; however, over $4,600 was raised, beating last year’s fundraising by about $300.

“More than half the money raised comes from the raffle (and) we are so appreciative of our fellow business owners,” said Two Salty Dogs owner Liana Kingsbury. “Also, the winner of six months of pet food donated it to the shelter, so we will be supplying them with much needed cat food later this week.”

The total of 36 raffle prizes included over 20 gift certificates, a free animal adoption from the shelters, six free months of pet food from Two Salty Dogs Pet Outfitters, 10 days of daycare from Coastal Dog, two overnight stays or four drop-in visits from Creature Comforts Pet Care, a two-night boarding stay at Boothbay Canine, bath and groom from Paws A While at Camp Nancy, a lab rescue bracelet from A Silver Lining, free private tasting for up to 10 people from Eventide Specialties, one lobster roll basket from Shannon's Unshelled, and an opportunity to design, brew and drink your own beer from The Footbridge Brewery.

Nancy Pederson was the lucky volunteer who clipped nails on 30 dogs throughout the afternoon. Having come to the Mutt Scrub for several years, it was also a first in a different way: She gave presents to the nonprofit Old Dogs New Digs.

The organization connects with all the animal shelters in Maine and fosters out senior dogs, said Pederson. “We take them in through the shelter so if they need medicine or operations or anything, the shelter will pay for them … If they're hospice, we will take them into our homes and let them live with us until their time is coming to the end.”

The three-year-old organization got the attention of Carmel-based Five Road Films, which created a documentary, “A True Love Story.” The film based on Old Dogs New Digs premiered July 21 at the Evening Star Cinema in Brunswick and has been chosen as an official selection for the New York Dog Film Festival. The documentary will be in 22 major cities in Canada and the U.S.

Pederson said the difference between medications and operations is often the cost which is why Old Dogs New Digs helps by putting on fundraisers and helping at other events like the Mutt Scrub.

“A lot of times the shelter doesn't have all the money for special needs dogs, so we do the fundraising for that to make money to help with the special ones. All animals need to be loved.”