By Karen Vance
Enquirer contributor

AMELIA - More than 40 police, fire and search and rescue dogs and their handlers will be honored by a Clermont County animal shelter this weekend.

IF YOU GO

What: Animal Rescue Fund working-dog recognition When: 1 p.m. Saturday Where: ARF shelter, 85 Lucy Run Road, Amelia Information: Call 753-9252 or visit the Web site

The Animal Rescue Fund, a no-kill shelter, which is sponsoring the event to honor working animals, will unveil a monument on the shelter grounds.

"I just thought these dogs and their people needed a day of recognition," said Sharon Browning, shelter manager. "Their training never stops, and they do a lot on their own time. Police officers put their lives on the line and their dogs are their partners."

When Ms. Browning began organizing the event, she didn't expect such great interest. She was hopeful they'd have 10 to 12 dog teams, but as word spread, 40 teams from throughout the Tristate have called to say they'll be there.

Two of the teams, Mike Owens and Worf from the Southwest Ohio K-9 Group in Middletown, and John Patrick and Guese of Caesar Creek Park, worked at the World Trade Center after the Sept. 11 attack.

The event, at 1 p.m. Saturday, will include a blessing for the animals. Many of the teams, search-and-rescue to a dog team from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, will perform demonstrations.

"I hope this becomes an annual and a national event," Ms. Browning said. "These dogs and officers work awfully hard and just don't get enough recognition."