In honor of National Dog Week, the Dane County Humane Society will reduce microchip fees for dogs.

National Dog Week began Monday and will continue through Saturday, Sept. 30.  This week, microchips will cost $15, 50 percent off its original price.

Dane County Humane Society emphasized the importance of having dogs wear collars with ID tags in addition to a microchip, said a press release.  This provides multiple formed of identification if owners and pets are separated.

"Pet owners don’t expect their pets to be lost or stolen and they hope that leashes, fences and doors will be enough to keep them safe at home," said Gayle Viney, DCHS Spokeswoman.  The reality is that accidents do happen, and when they do, many owners are unprepared.  "The ID tag provides immediate owner information and the microchip provides back up information if the ID tag is separated from the animal," said Viney.

It might be two months away, but Thanksgiving preparations have already begun at the Goodman Community Center.

The center’s Thanksgiving Basket Drive has become a fall tradition in the Shenk-Atwood neighborhood, said a press release.  The event has been going for a decade.

Every year, groceries are collected to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal, including a turkey, for about 1,000 families in need.  The baskets are distributed to families at the Goodman Community Center from Nov. 17 to 20.

Those interested in donating food and money can call 608-241-1574 x249.

Registration is open for Thanksgiving Baskets until Oct. 15.  To register, call the Goodman Community Center at 608-241-1574 x249.  Families may also register at the center or through the Fritz Food Pantry.

Need is expected to exceed supply, so families are encouraged to register soon.

An old-fashioned event will take place at Schumacher Farm Park in Waunakee Sunday.

Heritage Fest 2012 will take place on Sept. 16 from 1 to 4 p.m.  Admission is free, but donations are welcome.  Schumacher Farm Park is located at 5682 Hwy 19 in Waunakee.

The festival will feature music by the Soggy Prairie Boys Blue Grass Band, said a press release.  Horse drawn wagon rides, a 2 p.m. prairie walk, cooking demonstrations, antique quilts, live animals and more will fill the afternoon.  Concessions are available.

Author Katie Brenner will also be at Heritage Fest to sign her book, Images of America, Waunakee and Westport, which includes images of Schumacher Farm Park.

For more information, visit www.schumacherfarmpark.org.