Annual Pool Pawty to benefit Tailwaggers

■ Dogs will have a chance to play at the Siloam Springs Aquatic Center before it closes for the season.

Dogs will get their chance to splash and play in the Siloam Springs Aquatic Center during the annual Pool Pawty planned for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8.

The Tailwaggers fundraiser takes place each fall before the pool is shut down and drained for the season, according to organizer Tina Berrios. The event includes an auction, local vendors and canine treats such as doggie ice cream and pup cakes, as well as human treats like hamburgers hot off the grill.

To participate in the Pool Pawty, dogs must get along well with others, be spayed and neutered, and have their tags showing they are up-to-date on vaccinations, Berrios said. Entry into the party is $10 per pet and meals are $5 per person.

Berrios said that dogs all seem to get along in the fun setting. Tailwaggers volunteers will be throwing tennis balls and toys into the water and blowing bubbles to encourage dogs to play.

Off Leash K9 Training of

Springdale, a local business that sometimes works with shelter dogs to help them become more adoptable, will be at the Pool Pawty as well as Bark Bite, a local dog treat company run by two young entrepreneurs, Berrios said.

Contests, such as the best trick and the best costume, will begin at 12:30 p.m. followed by a raffle giveaway. Siloam Springs Veterinary Clinic and Ravenwood Veterinary Clinic sponsor the event.

After the party, Marcy’s Grooming will dry all the dogs off and put a scarf on them so they will be dry for the ride home.

Tailwaggers is a nonprofit organization that supports five local animal shelters — Siloam Springs, West Siloam Springs, Okla., Gentry, Decatur and Gravette — by helping provide funding for medical needs, food, supplies, spay and neuter programs, and sending pets to high adoption states.

The organization also works to educate children in local schools about animal safety and the importance of spaying and neutering pets.

Currently, the organization has about eight volunteers who help with administration and more than 20 volunteers who help walk dogs and socialize cats in the animal shelters so they will be more easily adoptable.

For more information about the organization or to find out how to volunteer, visit www.tailwaggersnwa.org or the Tailwaggers Facebook page. Details about the Pool Pawty can be found on the event Facebook page.