Photo caption: Dr. Dwain Zagrocki and April Seabolt check out her dog’s heartbeat at the Pet Celebration on the Hayesville Town Square.

When animal lovers gather in downtown Hayesville on Saturday, September 21 for the 8th Annual Pet Celebration on the Square, they should be sure to seek out the booth sponsored by Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Hayesville. The festival runs from 8:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

According to Carole Webber, who owns several dogs herself and does pet therapy for shut-ins, pets will get the loving treatment they deserve at the Good Shepherd booth. Volunteers from the church will hand out doggie treats and provide a watering station for thirsty pups.

Then, to put the icing on the doggie treats, Dwain E. Zagrocki, D.V.M.(a/k/a Dr. “Z”), who is a Good Shepherd parishioner, will be bringing veterinary instruments and will allow the children to look into their dog’s ears and listen to their heartbeat. Dr. Z is also bringing a portable ultrasound unit to show the “insides” of a dog! Our rector, Fr. Bill Breedlove, will do a “Blessing of the Animals” at noon.

Good Shepherd's participation in the Pet Celebration reflects the church's commitment to “boldly engage the world as God's shepherds, sharing God's blessings and creating Heaven on Earth one person at a time.” That vision certainly includes animals. For more about Good Shepherd and its ministries, see www.goodshepherdhayesville.org. The church is located at 495 Herbert Hills Drive one mile east of Hayesville on Highway 64.