1, Cheetah Challenge. Animal Ark, Hwy 395 North at Redrock Road, Reno, NV. The annual fundraiser for the Animal Ark raises winter funds for the park. The exciting program includes a tour of the park, dinner, silent auction and high-speed cheetah run. Limited admission, $100 per person, R.S.V.P required by September 23, so reserveearly by calling 775-970-3111, or e-mail your reservation at mail@animalark.org

1, Red Rock Hounds Hunter Race & Poker Run. Ross Creek Ranch, 25 Spoke Road, Reno, NV (17 miles North from Hwy 395/Red Rock exit). Seven-mile all-form course. Registration starts at 8:30am and the race begins at 10:00am.

1, 25-Mile and 50-Mile Endurance Rides. Lemmon Valley Horsemen’s Arena. AERC Sanctioned. AHA Region 7 Championship ride. For more information call 775-972-4482.

2, Blessing of the Animals. Shoppers Square Mall, Plumb Lane at Virginia Street, Reno, NV. 11:00am to 4:00pm with the blessing to begin at 3:30pm.

2, Pug Sunday. Rancho San Rafael Park Multi-use Area, 1595 North Sierra Street, Reno, NV, 2:00 to 4:00pm. An informal get together and an afternoon of fun and play. All breeds are welcome—you just need to love pugs. For more information call 775-771-0196.

6, Natural Horsemanship Association of Northern Nevada meeting. Park Lane Mall Community Meeting Room, near Linn’s Imports, 6:00pm. For more information call Sherri Flynn at 775-424-1217.

7, Third Annual Putt for Pets Golf Tournament. This event is sponsored by the Eldorado Hotel and Casino to benefit the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Northern Nevada and the Nevada Humane Society’s Pet Project. Golf will be played at LakeRidge Golf Club. Lunch, silent auction, and raffle is included. For more information, call the SPCA at 775-324-7226.

8, Pet Chef Express Open House, 11:00am to 3:00pm, celebrating the new shop location at 8545 Double R Boulevard, Suite 102, in southwest Reno. Refreshments, raffle prizes, low-fee immunization clinic, Paws to Read participants, therapy dog Gizmo and local author and animal photographer of I Am Her Ears will autograph books, SPCA animal adoption, and much more. Day’s proceeds will benefit SPCA and Paws to Read program. For more information call Pet Chef Express at 775- 827-2021.

11, “Pets Have Teeth Too.” Sierra Veterinary Hospital, 1477 North Saliman Road, Carson City, NV. 7:00 to 8:00pm. Free informational seminar on this topic presenting oral disease as the most frequently diagnosed health problem in pets, with Q&A session and tour of the remodeled facility. For more information call 775-883-0261.

30, Selecting the Right Dog for Your Family. The Canine Club, 1818 Frazier Avenue, Sparks, NV. 1:00 to 2:30pm. Learn about dogs and how to find a dog that suits your family’s lifestyle. Learn some about the groups and breeds of dogs, and how to identify the characteristics that make a good canine family member. Call 775- 331-0667 for more information.

3, Natural Horsemanship Association of Northern Nevada meeting. Park Lane Mall Community Meeting Room, near Linn’s Imports, 6:00pm. For information call Sherri Flynn at 775-424-1217.

4, Nevada Humane Society’s Community Animal Protection Awards Banquet and Entertainment Auction. Eldorado Hotel and Casino, 345 North Virginia Street, Reno, NV. 6:00pm, $75 per person, $700 per table of ten. For more information, contact Jeanne Barrett at jbarrett@nevadahumanesociety.org, or call 775-331-5770.

6, Pug Sunday. Rancho San Rafael Park Multi-use Area, 1595 North Sierra Street, Reno, NV, 2:00 to 4:00pm. An informal get together and an afternoon of fun and play. All breeds are welcome—you just need to love pugs. For more information call 775-771-0196.

18, SPCA and Shakespeare Animal Fund Enchanted Evening Benefit. Siena Hotel, 1 South Lake Street, Reno, NV. 6:00 to 9:30pm. An evening of magic to benefit animals in need, hosted by KTVN’s Bill Brown, with strolling magicians, a martini bar, hors d’oeuvres, music, live and silent auction, and elegant gifts. Help save thousands of local pets and help residents who aren’t able to pay for their pet’s medical bills. For information and tickets call the SPCA at 775-324-7226.

19, Reno Area Avian Enthusiasts (RAAVE) monthly meeting. Sparks Public Library, 1125 12th Street, Sparks, NV. Noon to 3:00pm. A presentation about AFA by Western Regional Director Lisa McManus. For more information call 775-358-7222, or 775-826-9714, or visit RAAVE’s Web site at www.raave.com

DECEMBER

4, Pug Sunday. Rancho San Rafael Park Multi-use Area, 1595 North Sierra Street, Reno, NV, 2:00 to 4:00pm. An informal get together and an afternoon of fun and play. All breeds are welcome—you just need to love pugs. For more information call 775-771-0196.

10, Home for the Holidays, Healthy Tails Training and Wellness Center, 121 Woodland Avenue, Suite 100, Reno, NV. 2:00 to 4:00pm. Prepare your home and family for a new puppy. $45 for the class. Space is limited, so reservations are required. Contact Alissa Edmands of Oh Happy Dog to register at 775-742-2298.

17, Home for the Holidays, Healthy Tails Training and Wellness Center, 121 Woodland Avenue, Suite 100, Reno, NV. 2:00 to 4:00pm. Prepare your home and family for a new puppy. $45 for the class. Space is limited, so reservations are required. Contact Alissa Edmands of Oh Happy Dog to register at 775-742-2298.