Gus was adopted twice and returned twice before he found a family willing to keep him for good — and it’s fortunate for the rest of the Humane Society of Skagit County’s whiskered population that he did.

The 120-pound Irish wolfhound mix and his owners, who call him the “gentle giant,” raised $800 for the Humane Society’s annual Doggone Walkathon at the Port of Skagit County walking trail Saturday.

Thanks to their efforts, Gus ranked as Top Dog in the fundraiser for a second time since his final adoption from the shelter six years ago.

“We brought him home, and he was friendly and lovable,” said Ray Lucero, one of Gus’ owners.

His other owner, Ron Dow, said Gus was hesitant to bond at first but eventually warmed up and is now a very loyal companion. Lucero and Dow now want to help other dogs like Gus.

That’s why the three joined 32 other dogs, 50 people and a LaMancha goat on a two-mile walk to raise money for the struggling Humane Society.

Gus wasn’t the only star of the event, however.

The fundraiser also featured a doggy dancing (or tricks to music) talent show and a costume contest.

After the walk, Molly, a small gray mutt wearing a pink jester-style scarf, danced to the song “Candy Man,” weaving in and out of her owner’s legs, rolling over and prancing in circles. Molly even licked a giant lollipop mimicking her owner, Joy Thompson of Oak Harbor, who was wearing a matching pink costume for the duet. Molly then jumped over the lollipop’s stick.

“It’s so much fun,” Thompson said of doggy dancing, after she and Molly curtseyed at the end of the song.

Other dogs jumped through sparkly hoops, shook hands and rolled over.

The winner of the costume contest was Baily, a dog dressed as a butterfly cowboy with a red scarf and green-and-purple wings.

The fundraiser brought in $9,500, about twice what the event raised last year.

“It’s way over what we normally make,” Humane Society Director Sandy Nelson said.

She attributes the fundraiser’s success to a letter the organization sent out prior to the event that asked Skagit County residents for support.

Nelson said that with expenses piling up to maintain the new Burlington building, the nonprofit has been struggling. Heating alone can sometimes add up to $5,000 per month, she said.

“All of the charities are faltering because of the economy,” she said.

Not only are people donating less, but volunteers are unable to give as much time because the cost of driving to the shelter is too spendy.

When Jonah Hamilton, 11, is staying with his grandmother Kim Hamilton in Marblemount, they and Jonah’s friend Rachel Sigman, 13, go to the shelter to walk dogs. But, with gas prices topping $4 per gallon, their visits are limited.

“We can’t come as much anymore,” Kim Hamilton said.

On Saturday, though, Jonah enthusiastically ran Otis, a 4-month-old mutt in need of adoption, for the entire two-mile walkathon. They were the first to finish the course.

Heidi Lee, another volunteer and avid dog lover, hasn’t let gas prices stop her from visiting the shelter an average of four days per week. A certified animal massage therapist, Lee helps the Humane Society’s dogs relax and recover from injuries. She also walks them and teaches them obedience.

Lee said she feels for people who are struggling with the increased costs of living right now. “If people can’t afford gas or to feed their family, they’re not going to give money to us,” Lee said.

For more information or to donate to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley, call 360-757-0445 or visit http://www.skagithumane.com.

* Tahlia Ganser can be reached at 360-416-2148 or at .