The dogs will have their day this Sunday at the Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia 21st annual Dog Day in the Pool.
Canine companions of all sizes and varieties are welcome to join in the fun at Marilla Park Pool from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Even if your four-legged pal isn’t ready to jump in and doggie paddle to the deep end, Animal Friends Shelter coordinator Katie Short said they have a full day of fun planned, including lots of games for dogs and their owners, raffles, prizes, a rubber duck pond and concessions such as Salty Paws Doggie Ice Cream Truck.
WVAQ’s Jaime Williams, aka “Just Jaime,” is set to keep the “pawty” rocking from the DJ table.
Dog owners will be required to sign a liability waiver upon entry to the event and all dogs are required to be on a leash at all times and supervised by an adult.
Short said prong collars and retractable or flexi leads will be prohibited. They will provide an appropriate leash at the gate if you do not have one.
Entry to Dog Day at the Pool is by donation only. Short said there is no set minimum or maximum donation amount.
“Whatever people want to give to get in the door,” she said. “So, we just say event entry by donation only.”
This will be the last year the event will be held at the current location as the Marilla Pool Improvement Project and pool re-location is already in progress and expected to be completed for the 2025 season.
“Next year we are hoping to be able to participate at the new location of the pool,” Short said.
Animal Friends was the region’s first no-kill animal shelter and operates an adoption and foster program for dogs and cats – along with an occasional pet of a different species.
Since becoming a nonprofit organization in 1999, it has rescued thousands of animals in north-central West Virginia.
