10th Annual Dog Paddle Pool Party going VIRTUAL August 24-29

The Dog Paddle pool party benefiting the Oktibbeha County Humane Society (OCHS) is taking place virtually August 24-29 with community members swimming, splashing, and having fun with their pets, from the comforts of their homes.

Due to the coronavirus, the Moncrief Park Pool (host of nine prior Dog Paddle events) did not open in 2020; this and current conditions led the OCHS leadership team to explore alternatives for the popular event.

Registration for the virtual event starts at $25 plus shipping and is live through the rest of August at www.ochsms.org/dogpaddle.  Included in registration is a limited-edition t-shirt with proceeds benefiting the OCHS Second Chance Fund which provides for life-saving medical care to shelter animals beyond routine vaccinations and care.  All registrants will be entered for a chance to win one of two dog-centric prizes donated by East Mississippi Lumber Company.

Rick Welch, President of OCHS, said, “The Dog Paddle is a vital fundraiser for OCHS.  In 2019, it raised over $8,000 for the Second Chance Fund.  The Dog Paddle enables OCHS to provide life-saving medical interventions to the homeless animals in our care that come to us in dire condition.”

OCHS encourages members of the public to share pictures of their Dog Paddle activities using #DogPaddle2020 and follow along with them on social media for Dog Paddle-themed content between August 24-29 (@OCHSMS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter).

“We are so grateful for the small business sponsors and the support of our entire community, both for the Dog Paddle and for OCHS.  We are disappointed we can’t hold an in-person event,” OCHS Board Member Karen Lilly said.  “I am excited to see how participants embrace the virtual concept and to see how they celebrate the Dog Paddle at home – using kiddy pools, water hoses, bathtubs, or other creative solutions to have water fun with your pets!”

Special thanks to the following businesses for their “Wave” sponsorship of this fundraising event:  Boardtown Bikes, DogPound Printing, DreamTeam Realty, Gun Dog Supply, Harveys, J Kevin Curry Consulting, Phillips Financial, Renasant Bank, Small Mercies Animal Rescue, Spruill Property Management, Starkville Glass & Paint, Sweet Paws Rescue, Synergetics, and The Dawg House Playground & Salon.

Founded on the belief that the community has the responsibility to treat animals humanely, OCHS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.  The mission of OCHS is to promote domestic animal welfare and the organization seeks to fulfill this mission by providing humane education; promoting animal welfare legislation; advocating and facilitating pet sterilization; and rescuing, sheltering, and promoting adoption of abandoned animals.