In celebration of the 101st anniversary of Be Kind to Animals Week, the Humane Society of Pike County will host a Blessing of the Animals and a Pet Parade from 10 until 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 30 on the Square in downtown Troy.

Donna Brockmann, event chair, said because 2016 is the 101st anniversary of Be Kind to Animals Week, there will be a “101 Dalmatians” polka dot theme for the weeklong celebration.

“Everyone who loves their pet is invited to come, have their pet blessed and participate in the parade around the perimeter of the Square,” Brockmann said. “We do ask that all pets be on a leash, in a pet carrier or on a wagon or whatever works for the animal to be secured. We will have tubs of water for the animals so their experience will be a good one.

“A member of the clergy will bless the animals and perhaps share a parable or applicable scripture,” she said. “Following the Blessing of the Animals, we will have the Pet Parade, which will be a kind of pet social.”

Polka dot doggie bags will be available in the event of an animal accident during the festivities.

In keeping with the celebration of Be Kind to Animals Week, student artwork from Pike County and Charles Henderson middle schools will be displayed in the windows or on the inside walls of downtown businesses.

The culminating event of Be Kind to Animals Week will be “An Evening with the Pups” from 6 until 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 5 at Cattleman Park.

“An Evening with the Pups,” will include a buffet dinner and Pet Parade featuring Precious Paws Sanctuary and adoptable and rescued animals. The dinner event will include door prizes, doggie and kitty treat bags and something cold and sweet from Milky Moos to take home.

Tickets for “An Evening with the Pups” are $20 and are available at the Freckled Frog, Lillian’s Hairworks and Hillside Antiques and also on line at humanesocietyofpikecounty/alabama.org.