October Tails

For the third consecutive year “Oliver,” an English Cocker Spaniel, and “Lucy,” a Border Terrier, have been named honorary Co-chairs of the event planning committee for “October Tails,” the Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center’s (SBHPCC) annual Halloween-themed dog walk fundraiser. The walk, sponsored this year by Animal Emergency and Referral Associates (AERA) of Fairfield and the Animal Eye Center (AEC) of Little Falls, will be held in Verona Park on Sunday, October 24 (rain date is Saturday, October 30) from 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. The event will feature special guest host Maria Milito of Q104.3 FM. A portion of the proceeds will fund Paws for Patients, a canine therapy program for hospice patients and their families. Admission to October Tails is $20 per family, but is free to all fundraising participants who raise a minimum of $25. Ask your friends, family and co-workers to sponsor you and your dog(s) with a minimum donation of $10. Prizes will be awarded to fundraisers in the categories of $25- 99, then $100 and up; the top fundraiser who submits all donations by Friday, October 22, will win an ASUS Ecc PC Netbook. The centerpiece of “October Tails,” is a Halloween costume contest for dogs, with prizes in the following categories: Most Original; Funniest; Most Heartwarming; and Best in Show. The event will also include children’s activities and a poster contest; a dog kissing booth; games and activities; an animal communicator; massage and Reiki for people and dogs; agility demonstrations; obedience games; AKC Canine Good Citizen® tests give by Patience Unlimited, LLC; a pet caricaturist; and vendors. A free Halloween tote bag will be given to each of the first 200 children who attend, courtesy of AERA and AEC. To register in advance visit www.sbhcshospice.com and download a registration form. For more information call 973-322-4792/octobertails@sbhcs.com. For more than 30 years, AERA and the AEC of New Jersey have been considered by pet owners and family veterinarians to be at the forefront of emergency and specialty care in the Northern NJ area. Every day its compassionate team of specialists, veterinarians and staff put their extensive knowledge, experience and skill along with their love and devotion to animals to work so you can feel confident your pet will receive the most comprehensive range of care available. AERA and AEC stand alongside your family veterinarian to provide your pet with cutting edge diagnostic and medical/surgical treatments, and are dedicated to supporting you in caring for your cherished companion. For more information about AERA or AEC of New Jersey, please call 973-788-0500 or visit www.animalerc.com. Established in 1981, Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center provides comprehensive physical, emotional and spiritual care and support services for patients with advanced illness and their families throughout ten counties in New Jersey. The program, which serves infants, children, adults and the elderly, honors the unique choices and values of patients and their families and offers full access to the broad array of services provided by the Saint Barnabas Health Care System.