Building PAWS RC No-Kill Animal Shelter of Rutherford County will host its second annual   PAWS Fest at Morse Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at Lake Lure.

Morse Park is located between the Hickory Nut Gorge Visitor Center and Lake Lure Marina on Highway 64/74A or 2948 Memorial Highway.

The day is filled with several activities, beginning with “The Blessing of the Animals” at 11 a.m. Several cats and dogs will be available for adoption throughout the day, and a free micro-chip clinic is offered to the first 100 pets whose owners live in Rutherford County, with a limit of three per household.

There will be several guests offering their services, including Animal Communicator Rose Proud.

Lezle Stein, of Handle with Care Dog Training, will offer holistic approach dog training advice based on her experience working with the pets of Hollywood celebrities, executives, and music personalities.

Jim Neugass, of Forever Friends Photography Service, will offer a 15–minute professional photo shoot session, with backdrop and lighting.

Doctors and staff from Foothills Veterinary Hospital, of Forest City, will be on hand to answer any questions and provide information regarding pet health and wellness, along with several other services.

There will also be prize drawings, which include two lawn tickets for the Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy Backyard BBQ show in Charlotte, pet gift baskets and accessories.

To enter the prize drawings, people may bring a new, unopened bag of dog/puppy or cat/kitten food.

For more information or to donate, people may contact at PAWS at pawsofrc@gmail.com, visit pawsrc.org or call 1-888-422-7303.

For everyone’s safety and comfort, all pets should be properly leashed or contained with up-to-date vaccinations. PAWS will provide water, treats, doggie play pools and a large shaded tent, but owners must bring clean-up bags for their pets

– Submitted by Gale Wilson