Pet blessings, honoring the anniversary of the death St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals, will be held in early October.
n St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 3434 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane, will offer its annual Blessing of the Animals service at 3 p.m. Oct. 4, rain or shine.
The community is invited to bring their animals to the church to be blessed. Owners of pets unable to come for health reasons may bring a picture of them and come for prayer. For animals' comfort and safety, they must be on leashes or crated as appropriate.
Donations of dog food, cat food or cat litter that will be donated to the local animal shelter and rescue groups are appreciated. For questions, call the church at 304-562-9325 and leave a message and your call will be returned.
n The town of Alderson will sponsor a Celebration of Pets from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 3 on the Memorial Bridge and in Alumni Park for small pets only - dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, hamsters.
There will be contests for the best Halloween costume for a dog or cat; best tail wag on a dog; and most laid-back cat. Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.
A "Blessing of the Pets" by Pastor Richard Lohmeyer will be held in honor of the anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals. Alderson Veterinary Services will be giving rabies vaccines for $8 each. S&S Feed Store will have all kinds of pet goodies.
This is a fundraising event for Greenbrier County Humane Society and Animal Shelter plus the Alderson Animal Control. Donations of money and pet supplies are also needed.