21 May 2011 Maumelle group plans ‘Puppy Pool Party’

Every September for the last three years, the Maumelle Community Center has gone to the dogs.

“The Maumelle Friends of the Animals [MFOA] wanted a family fun [event] to do with pets,” said Char Akins. “It was decided we could use the city municipal pool after it closed on Labor Day . . . and so the Puppy Pool Party was born.

“This party is for dogs only.”

The party is held the Saturday after Labor Day every year, which falls on Sept. 10 this fall. The cost to get in is $8 per dog or $15 for two dogs. Each dog gets a goodie bag, and special prizes are given away to a few lucky pooches, too.

“We have had everything from Great Danes to miniature Daschunds,” Akins said. “They must have proof of current rabies shot, be non-aggressive, be on a leash and have an adequate handler.”

The pool party benefits MFOA. The organization works with the Maumelle Animal Shelter.

“We work to be sure that every animal that gets adopted has been spayed or neutered, is up to date on its shots and has been heartworm tested,” Akins said. “We pay for all of those services.”

MFOA also provides foster homes for pets at the shelter, in addition to other services.

For more information on MFOA, visit www.maumellefoa.org.