October just has to be my favorite time of the year.

The air is cooler and the sky is bluer. Changing its position in the sky, the sun spreads long shadows across the roads. The hardwoods are beginning to turn from green to yellow, and early leaves are slowly circling, landing softly on my still-green lawn.

Old Man Winter hasn't blown his icy winds across North Carolina yet, so my flowers are all still in bloom. But there's no longer the summer's heat and humidity. It is the beginning of fall, the best of both seasons.

It's also the time of year when there are multiple festivals, galas, parades, and craft fairs to choose from. There is something happening every weekend! I am already thinking about my Christmas gift list. I love the smells of food in the air and the voices of friends meeting friends. The excitement and laughter of the people around me is contagious.

This year, the animal rescue groups in our area have many fun things planned for October. The events are so varied that all of us are sure to find at least one event we will really enjoy.

The new Companion Animal Clinic of the Sandhills (low-cost spay and neuter clinic) held its "De-Sex in the City" Gala at the Pinehurst Fair Barn on Friday, Oct. 6. The clinic will be dedicating its new building on U.S. 1 on Sunday, Oct. 15, and the public is welcome.

Call 692-7001 for information on directions and ticket sales.

Animal Advocates of Moore County is having a vintage jewelry sale at Holly Fest in Pinehurst on Saturday, Oct. 21. There will be many unusual and one-of-a-kind pieces available.

On Friday, Oct. 27, members will throw a "Paws and Claws" Gala at the Weymouth Center. There will be a silent auction and musical entertainment. Tickets are $50.

Then, to end the month, Advocates will be sponsoring a Pet Halloween Parade on Sunday, Oct. 29. Dress up your pooch and join the fun, or just come and enjoy watching the show. Call 944-5098 for information on event locations and ticket sales.

Moore Humane Society will sponsor a "Howl-o-ween" Pet Costume Parade in Carthage on Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dress up your canine friend and join the fun! MHS will also have a booth at the upcoming Autumn Fest in Southern Pines. Call 295-6878 for more information.

The Moore County Pet Responsibility Committee sponsored its first "Low Cost Spay and Neuter Day" in Robbins on Tuesday, Oct. 3. The mobile clinic was located at the Davis Center. The Animal Center of Moore County also provided one-year rabies vaccinations for $5. Many families signed up to have their pets altered. They have chosen to become part of the solution to our pet overpopulation problem, and set an example for the rest of the county to follow.

This particular low-cost spay day was for people who live in the Robbins area, but there will be spay days in the months ahead in other parts of the county. Watch for ads in your area. The next Citizen's Pet Responsibility Committee Meeting will be at the Robbins Town Hall, Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Call 949-9953 for more information.

And please, if you are planning on bringing your pet to any of the festivals, fairs, and parades, please be responsible and bring only pets that are friendly to other animals and children. Pets should be an added bonus to the festivities, not a problem. They should be completely under your control, and should have relieved themselves before entering the festivities. Let's make it fun for everyone!

As you can see, things will really be hopping in October! So mark your calendar and get out and join the fun! This is a chance for you to buy Christmas presents, party with friends, laugh with the kids, and help the homeless animals at the same time. See you there!

Henson Frost lives in Whispering Pines.