If you love your dog, and love spending time outside, then this is one event you won't want to miss! Back by popular demand, it's the 5th Annual Community Dog Walk to benefit the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind Inc. The event, co-sponsored by the Bank of Smithtown and Cablevision, will be held on Sunday, Oct. 6 at the Flowerfield Fairground in St. James. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the walk begins at 11 a.m.

Last year's Community Dog Walk was so successful that more than 1,000 people and their pooches attended. More than $40,000 was raised to benefit the Guide Dog Foundation. This year's event is shaping up to be bigger, better and more successful than ever before!

Among the highlights planned for this year's Community Dog Walk:

* Pooch Parade: Dogs and their owners stroll along a special course at the scenic fairgrounds.

* Entertainment: Delightful music, face painters, clowns and balloons will add to the fun-filled festivities. You can visit with the New York Rangers' Zamroadie and Maddie, the New York liberty mascot. It's an enjoyable day for the whole family!

* Doggie Events: There will be dog-related events, from pet photos to working dog demonstrations. Plus, "Canine Good Citizen" designations will be awarded to dogs who pass the test, which will be given at the event. Additional special activities include:

* Animal Assisted Therapy Program: Learn how pets help the elderly and disabled.

* Visit with the Vets: LI Veterinary Specialists answer your questions.

* Connecticut State Police: Watch real police dogs work and test your dog on the agility course.

* Suffolk County SPCA's Mash Unit, a portable state-of-the-art veterinary suite, will be on-site and open for tours.

* Contests and Prizes: Prizes will be awarded to the Best Dressed Dog and the best Dog/Owner Look-Alike. There will be raffle prizes, free giveaways for the dogs and their owners, and grand prizes for the largest pledge collections. You can win free airline tickets or tickets to the radio City Christmas Spectacular with backstage passes!

* Vendors: A vendor marketplace will highlight the products and services of dog-related merchants and craft vendors.

* Food: Ben's Deli will be selling favorites from their menu, with all monies donated to the Guide Dog Foundation.

Registration is $25 per dog if you pre-register by Sept. 27. Walk-in registrations, or those received after the 27th are $30 per dog. The registration fee includes a dog bandanna and doggie goodie bag. (Please note that this event is for dogs only. No other pets, please. Dogs must be on a leash and under their handlers control at all times.)

For more information, including how to register for the Community Dog Walk or how to become a vendor, contact the Guide Dog Foundation at (631) 265-2121.

For more than 50 years, The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind Inc. has provided guide dogs free of charge to blind people seeking increased mobility, independence and the companionship a guide dog provides. Its programs are provided completely free-of-charge, supported by contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations.