STARKVILLE — This weekend, dogs and humans alike will be diving into Moncrief Pool for the Oktibbeha County Humane Society’s 13th annual Dog Paddle.
Ryan Handran, board member for the humane society, said he has been helping to organize the Dog Paddle as an opportunity for city residents to swim with their dogs from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
“When our city pool shuts down, we keep it open for one extra weekend for this event, every year for 13 years now,” Handran said. “People come with their dogs and get to swim with their dogs at the city pool. And it’s just a big pool party for animals with their owners and it’s a ton of fun.”
According to the Starkville Parks and Recreation Department’s Facebook page, the last normal open pool day for the season was Sept. 4, with the Dog Paddle falling after the end of the regular summer season.
While Handran emphasized the fun parts of the pool party, the Dog Paddle also operates as a fundraiser for the humane society. With its typical sponsorships and donations, he said, it can raise between $5,000 and $10,000 a year, with about 200 to 300 people and about 150 dogs participating.
This year, Handran said, OCHS has scaled back corporate sponsorships, but it is still hoping to invite as many dog lovers as possible to come out and enjoy the pool, even if they do not own a dog themselves.
“We highly encourage that,” Handran said. “It is a ton of fun for everybody. If you are an animal lover, and you just want a chance to support the humane society, you don’t have to have a dog at all. The money is all going to the same good cause whether you have a dog or not, and you’re going to have a good time if you show up.”
Ward 2 Alderman Sandra Sistrunk, whose ward includes Moncrief Pool, said she supports the Dog Paddle, though her dog, which was rescued from OCHS, does not enjoy water.
“I think it’s a fun event that has been very well received over the … years we’ve been doing it,” Sistrunk said. “It’s a great way to mark the end of the pool season and give our canine friends an opportunity to see what they’ve been missing out on all summer. It’s a terrific event, and everyone whose dog likes water and participates in it, seems to have a great time.”
Day-of registration is $30 and includes admission for one dog and any accompanying humans, according to the OCHS website. Day-of registration also includes one event t-shirt, though shirt availability is limited and not guaranteed. Each additional dog is $10. A spectator option is also available, for those who do not have a dog, for $5.
For more information, visit ochsms.org.
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