Dorothy Parker Day going to the dogs Oct. 14

LONG BRANCH - Dorothy Parker adored her dogs; to the annoyance of many she was rarely seen without them.

So as part of the one-day Dorothy Parker Day celebration, the organizing committee is sponsoring a dog walk Oct. 14 beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Made up of members of the Long Branch Historical Association, the Long Branch Council of the Arts, the Long Branch Free Public Library, the West End Merchants and the Dorothy Parker Society, the committee invites all dog lovers to walk their pets in a parade past the literary landmark, where Parker was born on Ocean Avenue.

Owners are encouraged to dress their dogs up as famous literary characters.

Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes and the first 50 dogs will be given doggie gift bags with dog scarves, treats and other goodies.

Deacon Eugene Somma, of St. Michaels Church, will offer a blessing of the pets.

The walk begins in St. Michael's westernmost parking lot on North Lake Drive, will pass Parker's birthplace on Ocean Avenue, and then head back around scenic Takanassee Lake. There will be a shorter route for short-legged dogs.

The walk is free, open to the public and in the true spirit of Parker is just for fun.

For information on other Dorothy Parker Day events visit the Web site

www.dorothyparker.com/news/news.html.