Dog Days event set at area pool

Although the Bella Vista Animal Shelter depends on fundraisers to remain open, the Dog Days of Summer event is more of a fun event, executive director Dee Dee Knight-Matney said. The shelter raises some funds at the annual dog swim party, but it also raises a lot of spirits.

On Saturday, Sept. 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., dogs will take over the swimming pools at Kingsdale, she said. The pools are closed for the season and all chemicals are removed before the dogs swim. Their humans are not allowed to swim with them, but they are served lunch which is, of course, hot dogs.

The fee is $10 per dog and participants must be up to date on vaccinations. Smaller dogs are welcome to use the kiddie pool, she said. Big dogs are invited into the larger pool. Knight-Matney said the shelter staff loves to see shelter alumni at events like Dog Days.

"It's a mini-reunion," she said.

Because she never knows what dogs will be in the shelter on the day of the event, she can't be sure if any shelter dogs will attend. Her staff, both paid and volunteer, will be busy keeping everyone safe and may not have time to bring along a dog.

Prizes are given out at noon in several categories, including "Best Wet Hair" and "Gets the Most People Wet." Knight-Matney is still recruiting judges, but she's hoping to get Mayor Peter Christie and Fire Chief Steve Sims.

"Last year it was kind of crazy," she said. "All these dogs running around jumping into the water." There were 75 dogs in attendance. The POA provides a lifeguard, but there haven't been any rescues necessary, she said.

"The owners and the dogs love it," she said.

General News on 09/12/2018