Jul 27, 2015 3 min read

CARMICHAELS – Dogs will have the run of the Carmichaels Pool at Wana B Park Aug. 16 as Humane Society of Greene County holds its annual “Dog Gone Pool Party.”

The event, held after the closing of pool season for the humans, gives dogs and their owners the chance to bask in the sun and, if they feel the urge, take a nice cool dip in the pool.

The party will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Dog owners are asked only to make a donation to the humane society for admission. Owners can join their pets for a swim.

The humane society has held the event since 2006 to help raise money for its shelter.

“It’s a fundraiser, but it’s also something that gets the community involved,” said Amy Gyurke, party coordinator. “People can come to enjoy the activities and also to meet our staff and our volunteers to get to know who we are,” she said.

Last year’s party was one of the best attended, attracting 40 to 50 dogs, Gyurke said. But there were also more spectators than at previous parties.

“It’s a lot of fun to watch the dogs jump into the pool and to attend the awards ceremonies, and people like to come just to mingle with other dog owners,” Gyurke said.

Children also enjoy it when the dogs, some dressed for the occasion in swimsuits, take dives into the water, she said.

This year, for the first time, the party has a sponsor with Watters Pools of Carmichaels agreeing to sponsor the event in memory of Kenneth Denny. Denny of Jefferson, a longtime employee at Watters, died in February at the age of 38.

Denny loved animals, especially dogs, said Ronnette Watters of Watters Pools. Watters, who also is a supporter of the Humane Society, said sponsoring the pool party in honor of Denny seemed fitting.

“It went together with his line of work and his love of animals,” she said.

As always, the party will include the awarding of prizes for “Best Swimsuit,” “Best Doggie Paddle” and the “Best in Pool.”

Canines must arrive on a leash and have proof of vaccinations. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

The event provides dogs the opportunity to use the pool before it officially closes for the season. Gyurke thanked the county commissioners and county Department of Recreation for the use of the pool.

This year, the Carmichaels Pool and Mon View Park Pool will close Aug. 15 as students head back to college and the county’s number of life guards diminish. The Waynesburg Aquatics Center will remain open through Labor Day, though only on weekends for the last two weeks of the season.

For more information on the Dog Gone Pool Party, call the humane society shelter at 724-627-9988 or visit its website at www.greenepet.org.