2009.09.29
A calendar of pet events
Here's a compendium of events that I found when I sifted through the e-mails I got last week. There may be more; this was a rough sort.
This Saturday is Dogtoberfest! The annual fundraiser for Saint Francis Service Dogs is held at their training facility and is always one of the best paw-friendly festivals in the Valley. Read more about it here on Thursday and in the Inside Out section.
Pet parents who live a bit south of the 'Noke may want to check out the first annual Furry Scurry 5k Walk/Run this Saturday at the Smith River Trail System in Fieldale. The event is a fundraiser for the Martinsville/Henry County SPCA and starts at 9 a.m.
Dogs are welcome to the walk as long as they are friendly with people and other pooches, are current on their vaccines, and are at least 6 months old. The registration fee is $20 and you can click here for more information and to register.
If participating in weekend festivals leaves you feeling tired and stressed, maybe downward-facing-dog or cat's pose will help you relax. If you live in the Martinsville/Henry County area, consider a lunchtime yoga class at the SPCAMHC. Classes begin Oct. 15, run for six weeks, are taught by a trained yoga instructor, and cost $50 per person. Half of the proceeds benefiting the shelter. Participants should wear loose clothing and bring their own mats. Call 276-638-7297 by Oct. 8 to register.
The Roanoke Valley SPCAwill host Spayghetti Dinner again this year, and the pasta plates will also be available for lunch. All proceeds fund the spay/neuter program at the shelter, which prevents littering in the very best way.
Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Meals are $6 in advance, $7.50 at the door, and $5 each for advance orders of 25 or more. Click here to buy tickets (scroll about halfway down the page to see the Spayghetti logo.) This link will also allow you to donate to other RVSPCA funds, get a copy of the annual calendar, or buy Fresh Market or Kroger loyalty cards.
Heading south again, the Martinsville-Henry County SPCA will hold its Howl-O-Ween Extravaganza on Oct. 24. The event will include a Parade of Ghouls and Goblins at 2:30 p.m. (participants are asked to arrive by 2 p.m. to line up), a Bark-and-Boo costume contest, face-painting and more. Click here for more information.
Finally, Oct 25 is Howl-O-Ween Walk for the Animals for the Roanoke Valley SPCA. Each participant must register in advance to walk, and you can click right here to do that. Read more about the fun activities planned for the event in this Thursday's Inside Out section.
This is a belated reminder to all readers of The Happy Wag that St. Elizabeth's Episcopla Church will conduct its annual Blessing of the Animals under the large oak tree beside the church on Grandin Road beginning at 10:00 AM Saturday, October 3. The Rev. Richard Fife, rector of St. Elizabeth's, will officiate.
ALL are welcome! You need not be a member of St. Elizabeth's or even an Episcopalian to celebrate the animals that bring such joy and unconditional love into our lives.
Comment by Michael Ramsey — October 2, 2009 @ 11:22 am