(Sept. 19, 2005) -- Preparations are in high gear for Friends of LB Animals' annual "Walk for the Animals" coming up on Sunday Oct. 2 at Heartwell Park (Carson St. @ Clark Ave. in ELB). Registration for the event -- the major annual fundraiser for the nonprofit, all volunteer group -- starts at 9 a.m.

Scene from 2004 Walk

In addition to a 2k/5k walk, scheduled VIPs include "Wheely Willy," the courageous Chichuahua regularly seen on Discovery Channel's "Animal Planet," and "Bear," the loving dog who survived an abusive home and won the hearts and minds of LB Animal Control...where he now resides as a mascot.

Following the Walk there'll be presentations by Disc Dogs in So. Cal. and Canine Good Citizen testing by CA Handlers Advanced Obedience School. At noon, participants can have their animals blessed at an interfaith ceremony hosted by HauteDogs.org. Local animal-related businesses and organizations will also be present along with food vendors. LB officials almost always attend; Mayor Beverly O'Neill has designated Sunday Oct. 2 as "Animal Appreciation Day."

Friends of LB Animals says all who care about animals can show their support by raising pledges and walking a designated course. Leashed and friendly dogs can walk with their owners, the group says a written release.

The group says all proceeds from its Oct. 2 Walk "will be used for saving lives of unwanted animals through a Spay/Neuter Incentive Program (SNIP) targeting low-income, high volume, pet over-populated areas; certified humane education programs to local schools promoting awareness of responsible treatment and care of animals; increasing awareness and supporting laws and legislation that make any abuse of animals a serious crime."

The cost is $10 per walker with event T-Shirts provided to walkers who raise a minimum total of $25 in combined registration fee and pledges. Teams are also encouraged to participate as well...and there'll be prizes for the most pledges collected by adults, children (12 and under) and teams.

Friends of LB Animals President Shirley Vaughan says "This is everyone's chance to participate and show their love and respect for all animals.

In recent weeks, the group's tireless activities have included collecting donations to assist animal victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Details of the group's activities are on the Friends of LB Animals website -- www.FOLBA.org -- which includes a special Walk webpage at Oct 2 Walk webpage.

Or you can call (562) 988-7647.