STARKVILLE – Last year when Ryan Handran began fostering Will, one of his two foster dogs from Oktibbeha County Humane Society, he wasn’t sure when the dog would open up.
But everything changed when they arrived at Moncrief Pool for the Humane Society’s 14th annual Dog Paddle.
“We would take them both to the dog park, and Will just was kind of his own little shy thing,” Handran said. “And then last year, when we took him to the Dog Paddle, Will just opened up. … He was just this friendly, bubbly dog that wanted to go talk to everybody.”
Handran, board member for the Humane Society, said he has been helping to organize the 15th Annual Dog Paddle from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
While the last normal open pool day was Monday, Moncrief Pool will reopen for the event, according to a post on the Starkville Parks and Recreation Department Facebook page.
The event serves not only as a way for people and their dogs to come together for a pool party but also as a key fundraising event for OCHS.
“We hope to raise a bunch of money for our Humane Society,” Handran said. “We are actively operating in the red right now. We’re constantly doing our best to keep our heads above water, and events like this really do make a huge difference in the way that we operate.”
The event typically raises between $5,000 and $10,000, but this year, the organization would love to get closer to $20,000 because of the immense need the shelter is facing at this time with increased animal surrenders and increasing operational costs, Handran said.
“As an organization that relies so much on the contributions of our donors, we are feeling inflation really hard,” Handran said. “… We’re watching extra animals be surrendered to us, and we are seeing our donations dwindle. So we’re kind of getting it from both ends.”
The event typically draws between 300 to 500 people and more than 100 dogs. Handran is hoping for similar numbers this year.
Sandra Sistrunk, alderwoman for Ward 2 which includes Moncrief Park, said that the event is great for raising awareness about the Humane Society and its services.
“It’s bigger than just Ward 2,” Sistrunk said. “It’s just one of those events that is a marker … and so it signals we’re moving from one season to another. It’s one of those events that makes us kind of what we are.”
While early registration for the event closed Friday, those interested in taking their pup for a swim can pay a $35 admission the day of the event, which covers one dog, any accompanying humans and a T-shirt as supplies last. Each additional dog is $10, and a spectator option is available for those without a dog for $5.
For more information, visit ochsms.org.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
