WEST HAVEN — Newtown Kindness will host its second annual Therapy/Comfort Dog Walk-a-thon, Saturday, October 18, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, at Sea Bluff Beach in West Haven. It will take place near the Where Angels Play playground that was built to honor Charlotte, near the intersection of Captain Thomas Boulevard and Ocean Avenue.

The event will celebrate the first year program results of the multi-faceted Charlotte’s Litter Program in recognition of the benefits of therapy and comfort dogs.

Charlotte’s Litter, a Newtown Kindness program, was founded in honor of Charlotte Helen Bacon, an avid dog lover, who lost her life on December 14, 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Charlotte’s Litter was founded in honor of the support that her family and friends received from local comfort and therapy dogs. Charlotte’s Litter connects resources and experienced people where they are needed, and provides input and guidance to parents and educators in an effort to apply appropriate therapy dog programs in educational and societal settings.

 “The goal of the walk-a-thon is to support the ongoing efforts of the Charlotte’s Litter Program and the value of therapy and comfort dogs within communities,” said JoAnn Bacon, Charlotte’s mother. “We will also share groundbreaking results in animal-assisted literacy and psychosocial support as well as K9 First Responder program updates.”

 “The City of Milford was very fortunate to have Charlotte’s Litter available to assist both students and faculty during a tragedy that took place at Jonathan Law High School on April 25, 2014,” stated Milford Mayor Ben Blake. “The volunteers, along with their therapy dogs, provided immeasurable comfort, support, and compassion to all those they touched during this extremely difficult time. Charlotte’s Litter was an indescribable help to our school community in beginning the healing process.”

At the event, attendees will learn more about Charlotte’s Litter initiatives, the various benefits of animal-assisted therapy and K9 first responders, and two new book publications about Newtown’s experience with therapy and comfort dogs, Good Dogs Great Listeners and The Dogs of Newtown. The walk itself will be one mile.

 “As the host community of the Where Angels Play playground in honor of Charlotte Bacon, the city of West Haven is humbled by the invitation to support this benevolent cause in Charlotte’s memory,” West Haven Mayor Edward M. O’Brien said. “Comfort and therapy dogs provide immeasurable benefits by giving hope and help to individuals and families in their darkest hour of need. I encourage the people of the great state of Connecticut to participate in this Walk-a-thon and raise awareness of Charlotte’s Litter.”

Newtown Kindness’ goal is to raise $30,000 from the walk-a-thon to support Charlotte’s Litter initiatives. Walkers are encouraged to register, and raise funds in their community in support of the program.

Please note the event is only for certified and invited therapy/comfort dogs and their handlers. It is not open to personal pets.

For more information, or to register for the walk-a-thon, visit eventbrite.com/e/charlottes-litter-therapycomfort-dog-walk-a-thon-tickets-12859542237?aff=eorg.

To sponsor a walker/therapy dog, visit the Charlotte’s Litter CrowdRise page.

Additional donations can be submitted directly through Newtown Kindness’ website at .newtownkindness.org