Every year the West Milford Animal Shelter sponsors a Walk-A-Dog-Athon. This year's event will be dedicated to the memory of the shelter's resident cat, Sammy. He was a large black and white cat with huge yellow eyes who loved the shelter staff and all the visitors to the shelter. And everyone knew and loved Sammy. Sammy arrived at the shelter in 1995 as a small lonely kitten (without a mom or litter mates). He was blind and had other major health issues. With care, dedication and time, his sight returned and his health improved. But because his health situation was precarious, he was made a resident cat. He took over the shelter, but Sammy had to work for his keep. Every dog that came into the shelter had to be tested to see if they liked cats. It never bothered Sammy. He knew who was in charge. Over the years other cats joined Sammy, most notably Sherry and Spanky, who both passed away before Sammy. Sammy was with the shelter from 1995-2005. This year, the West Milford Animal Shelter (WMASS) will hold its annual Walk-A-Dog-Athon On Sunday, October 16 (rain date Oct. 23rd) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wawayanda State Park on Warwick Turnpike in Hewitt. Come with or without a dog and enjoy the day. Every dog will receive a free goodie bag' and a bandana. There are two ways to win. All participants are eligible to win 1 of 5 great prizes by sponsoring themselves and obtaining sponsors and collecting donations from them. Obtain one sponsor or 100. Either way, the five highest totals win. Its fun and its easy. Anyone can win! Enter alone, as a family, as a group or a troop. Grand Prize: $500.00 1st Prize: $400.00 Gift Certificate from Ortoloni Jewelers of W. Milford, NJ 2nd Prize: $300.00 Gift Certificate from ShopRite Supermarket. 3rd Prize: A Custom Home Illustration by Wil Dewey of the West Milford Artist Association valued at $150.00 4th Prize: Two Tickets to the Paper Mill Playhouse valued at $120.00 Enter one or more of the following fun contests. First, second and third place ribbons and prices will be given in the following categories: Best Dressed (dog and owner) Smallest and Largest by Size Best Trick Pucker-Up (best kisser). Best Behaved (basic commands) Registration is free and can be done at the walk. Judging will take place at 1:30 p.m. A free agility course is being provided by Positive Puppy Training in West Milford, NJ. Bring your camera and take photographs in the decorated fall photographic area.