The monthly meeting for Friends of the Warwick Animal Shelter will be held Thursday, September 15 at The Pilgrim Senior Center, 27 Pilgrim Parkway at 6:30 p.m.

The group will finalize plans for its Blessing of the Animals and Dog Walk on September 17. The walk is a fundraiser for the shelter and participants are asked to contribute $10. There will also be a dog costume contest at 12:30. If you would like to volunteer for this event or need info on the Dog Walk call please call Brenda at 467-2692. The public is invited.

The $10 donation includes an individual blessing for each animal by Deacon John Baker of St. Catherine's Parish and a colorful pet bandana. Enjoy a scenic 2.75-mile walk around Warwick City Park with your dog. A shorter walk is also available. All restrained animals are welcome for a blessing, but only dogs are allowed on the walk.

Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. and the Dog Walk starts at 11:30 a.m. Individual blessings will continue to be performed until noon by Deacon Baker.

All animals must wear a collar and identification tag. Proof of rabies vaccination is required with a current rabies tag or a veterinarian's rabies certificate for every dog, cat or ferret.

Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Cats, ferrets, rats, birds, etc must be in a proper, secure carrier or securely harnessed and leashed. Retractable or Flexi leashes are not allowed; please bring a six-foot leash.

Aggressive dogs, any dog under 4 months old or in any stage of heat will not be allowed to participate.

Event will be cancelled if weather is severe.

For more information, call 467-2692 or visit Warwick Animal Shelter's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WarwickAnimalShelter