A weekend retreat for dog owners and their pets Friday, May 9, through Sunday, May 11, in Hessel, will raise money for the Friends of the Animals' reduced cost spay and neuter program.

A Saturday evening barbecue and bonfire, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., will be hosted by Friends of the Animals volunteers at Lakeview Motel and Cottages in Hessel, and is open to the public. The meal is $10 for adults and $5 for children with proceeds benefiting the Friends. Reservations will help the group plan for the meal.

The retreat will include three days of obedience and leadership instruction, nature hikes, and two night's lodging at Lakeview Motel and Cottages in Hessel for $285. Activities without lodging are $125. Meals are included in the price, and 45% of the price will be donated to the Friends.

Friends of the Animals volunteers will assist with activities throughout the weekend, and will sell dog treats as an additional fundraiser. Amber Heramb, owner of Straits Pet Services in St. Ignace, will teach dog training, leadership skills, and dog tricks Saturday. Jessie Hadley, owner of Woods and Water Ecotours in Hessel, is coordinating the event and will lead dog walks through the Hiawatha National Forest Saturday and Sunday.

Space is limited to 15 people. Another retreat is scheduled October 17 through 19.

To reserve the retreat or barbecue, contact Ms. Hadley at 484- 4157 or info@WoodsWaterEcotours. com. The barbecue can also be reserved at the Pet Fix number, 643-6252.

Friends of the Animals help offset the cost of spaying and neutering animals by paying a percentage of the operation cost. Program participants pay $20 for a male and $30 for a female, and the Friends pay the balance, typically saving a participant between $100 and $200, member Diane Parcella said. The organization has provided 615 reduced cost procedures since the program started. Friends can also help pay for pet immunizations if a person cannot afford the pet's first set of shots.

"We give them a start, and then we figure the rest is up to the owners," Mrs. Parcella said.