It’s a big month for Suffolk Humane Society, with several events planned to benefit our furry friends.

Lisa Rapacki, a dog trainer with Churchland K9, will talk about creating a strong bond between humans and their canine companions at the society’s Sept. 9 meeting.

Rapacki started her career in 2005 after adopting a dog that turned out to be aggressive toward men and other dogs.

Rapacki began an apprentice program and earned her Master Trainer Certification and Behavior Modification from Cavalier Canine in 2007.

Today, both of Rapacki’s dogs make regular visits to the USO.

“The word ‘bond’ is tossed around a lot when it comes to the dog-human relationship. Typically, the bond is considered interchangeable with the love we have for our dogs,” Michele Thames, executive director of Suffolk Humane, stated in a news release.

“Love usually develops naturally, but the bond takes time and attention to grow. Love is what makes your dog dance when you come home at the end of the day, while the bond is what keeps him from taking off without you when the front door opens. A strong bond forms the foundation of your entire relationship with your dog.”

The meeting, set for 6:30 p.m. at the Magnolia Ruritan Club building, 1029 Nansemond Parkway, is free and open to the public, including well-behaved, leashed and vaccinated dogs accompanying their people.

Meanwhile, three adopt-a-thons are planned in September. The first is scheduled for Sept. 13 at Chesapeake Square PetSmart, 4300 Portsmouth Blvd., Chesapeake, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Adoptable animals will also be at the third annual Passion for Paws Picnic, Sept. 21 at River Stone Chophouse, 8032 Harbour View Blvd., from noon to 4 p.m.

This event is free, but anyone who wants to enjoy gourmet picnic food and/or wine tasting can purchase a ticket. More information is available at www.riverstonechophouse.com.

The last adopt-a-thon of the month will take place on Sept. 27 at Suffolk Animal Care Center, 124 Forest Glen Drive, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We hope people will be able to come out to one of these events and meet their new best friend,” stated Lee Murphy, the society’s adoptions and foster coordinator. “September provides us with so many opportunities to introduce these loving pets to so many people.”

On Sept. 27, Suffolk Humane and Nansemond Veterinary Clinic are sponsoring a low-cost rabies clinic. From 1 to 4 p.m. at the clinic, 110 Kensington Blvd., vaccinations will be available for only $5 on a first-come, first-served basis, while volunteers will be on hand to answer questions.

Clinic veterinarian Jennifer Cochran noted that 488 animals in Virginia were diagnosed with rabies last year.

“Our mission is to protect as many pets as we can from this deadly but preventable disease,” Cochran stated. “Vaccinating animals for rabies is the most effective way to safeguard the health of both pets and people.”

The society’s Thames said that owners of pets without a rabies vaccination are liable to be fined.

“We hope that by offering this low cost option for pet owners, we can prevent more cases and needless suffering,” she stated.

Visit www.SuffolkHumaneSociety.com each week to get the latest information about the group’s activities and to view the up-to-date photos of the adoptable animals at Suffolk Animal Care Center. Call Suffolk Humane at 538-3030 for more information.