Charity dog wash planned

Published 7:44 pm Monday, July 18, 2016

When a the Suffolk Humane Society needs to hold a fundraiser, it doesn’t hold the same old car wash — it holds a dog wash.

Dog lovers are invited to bring their furry friends to the charity event on Saturday, from noon to 3 p.m., at Suffolk Animal Hospital, 1232 Holland Road. Big or small, shaggy or short-haired, all dogs are welcome to the fundraiser.

“The funds will go to support our spay/neuter programs and humane education programs and any medical needs of dogs and cats we may have in foster,” said Rhonda Jones, vice president of the humane society board and director of events.

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Jones said Suffolk Animal Hospital approached the society last year about the fundraiser.

“Suffolk Animal Hospital is fantastic,” she said. “They reach out to us all the time wanting to help out and do fundraisers for us. We really appreciate their support.”

Last year was the first year of the fundraiser, said Megan Waltrip, manager of Suffolk Animal Hospital. About 25 dogs benefited from the service.

Waltrip said the shampoo is donated by a vendor, and volunteers take care of washing and drying the dogs.

“We do have a blow dryer, and we towel dry them, but they generally go home a little bit damp,” Jones said. “Our bigger, shaggier dogs, those guys are going to go home wetter, just because we can’t get all of the fur done.”

Jones said all dogs are welcome. Last year’s clients included a Newfoundland and a Great Dane.

“We can take the big ones, as well as the small ones,” she said.

Jones said the society will have adoptable cats at the event. A hot dog cart also will be on site for dog owners to grab something to eat while they’re waiting.

The suggested minimum donation for the dog wash is $10.

Jones said volunteers are needed and welcome. The society needs volunteers generally, so even if someone cannot make the dog wash, Jones encouraged them to still inquire about future opportunities at info@suffolkhumanesociety.com.