A file photo from a previous pet blessing.
Submitted
For all who love animals, Grace Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge presents the 13th annual Pet Fest and Blessing on Saturday, October 4.
Activities commence with the Pets are Blessings 5K Run/Walk at 8 a.m. at Melton Lake.
More festivities follow at the church from 1-5 p.m. The church is located at 131 West Gettysburg Avenue in the Woodland neighborhood. Parking will be available for the mobility-impaired at the church or in the Woodland Elementary School parking lot behind the church. (Follow the pink puppy paw print signs!)
For the second year, the church is offering a 5k run/walk at Melton Lake at 8 a.m. This year, the Pets are Blessings 5K Run/Walk will invite humans to run with their dogs, if desired.
“Gather your friends and family, and maybe a dog, and share a morning run/walk,” a press release said. Awards will be presented to top overall male and female runners, as well as age division awards, companion dog “goodies,” and great door prizes. An online PDF registration form is available at www.gracepetfest.org.
At Pet Fest, your own pets will enjoy an afternoon with you, in the company of other well-behaved animals. Pack your leashes and/or carriers and bring pets, one and all, to be blessed at this special free event. Pastor Stephen Damos will perform the pet blessing at 3 p.m. Free pictures of pets and their humans will be taken.
For a $20 donation, you may have your pet implanted with a microchip, courtesy of Dr. Paul Szluha of  McArthur Animal Hospital. Proceeds from this procedure, above the costs, will be donated to the Heifer Project.
“If you’ve been looking for a new pet to love, you will meet representatives from numerous pet adoption agencies, some of whom will bring animals that are available for fostering or adoption,” the release said. “What a wonderful opportunity to expand your family and give a deserving animal a loving home!”
Participate in games, pet contests, special drawings, and activities for children, including face painting and pet-related crafts, such as a paw print plaque. Watch interesting demonstrations. Purchase tasty snacks and refreshments. Take home delicious baked goods from the Bake Sale. You could win a beautiful animal-themed stained glass art piece, pet stairs, or a handmade pet bed. Become an art enthusiast by viewing the Woodland Elementary School art contest and voting for your favorite entry. Find treasures to buy at the Rummage Sale. Boy Scouts and other volunteers will “babysit” your pet(s) while you shop and vote. Throughout the afternoon, Shelter Road will provide great music for your enjoyment.
All proceeds from the Rummage Sale, Bake Sale, 5K run/walk, and other donations will be distributed among participating rescue groups. To sign up or to get more information about the run/walk or Pet Fest and Blessing, check online at http://www.gracepetfest.org/, email prs4chsta@aol.com about Pet Fest, gaylacutler@bellsouth.net about the 5K, or contact Grace Lutheran Church at (865) 483-3787.
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