Doggie related events in N.C.

My friend, Chelsey, just commented about an upcoming doggie event this weekend in the Triad region of North Carolina, so I wanted to share the info with you. In addition to that, I am also aware of another doggie event happening in the next few weeks.

The Amaizing Pet Adventure and Paws Adopt-A-Thon is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 27 at Kersey Valley Maize Adventure, 1615 Kersey Valley Road, High Point, N.C. Kersey Valley Maize Adventure is home to the area's corn maze.

Events include a Frisbee Demo, dog show, obedience demonstration, Red Cross First Aid demonstrations for pets and people and a blessing of the animals. Vendors will also be available.

The Web site lists the following schedule:
10 a.m. Fly Ball Demo
10:30 a.m. Frisbee Demo
11 a.m. United Animal Coalition Dog show (registration begins at 10 a.m.)
12:30 p.m. Obedience 101 Demo and Ask a Trainer
1 p.m. Mitzi and Ember fire dog demo
1:30 p.m. Southern Trails Canines and Co. "The Legend of Black Bark"
2:30 p.m. Red Cross First Aid and CPR for Pets and People
3 p.m. Police K9 Demo
3:30 p.m. Blessing of the Animals

If you've never been to a blessing of the animals, you don't want to miss this one. I attended a couple at Church of the Good Shepherd, 9441 Grayson Parkway, Galax, Va. The church serves an Episcopal-Lutheran congregration and on any given Sunday services are conducted in either Episcopal or Lutheran tradition.

The church celebrates St. Francis of Assisi Day, which is Oct. 4 St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and ecology. He founded the Francisan Order and legend has it he could talk with animals. So, in celebration of St. Francis, churches bless pets and other animals.

On Oct. 12, the Canine Corps will host a DogFest from 1-4:30 p.m. at the Level Cross Community Center, 112 Branson Mill Road, Randleman, N.C.

Festivities will center around education and games. Funds raised will be used to help local animal groups. A selection of vendors will include vet care, dog portraits and dog attire.