MORGANTOWN, W.Va (WDTV) – The Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia hosted their 21st annual Dog Day poolside at Marilla Park in Sabraton on Sunday.

Dog owners are allowed to take their four-legged friends to the swimming pool from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It takes place at the end of the swimming pool season, before all the water is drained to give the dogs the opportunity to swim.

Admission was a donation and all proceeds will go towards the construction of a new facility for the no-kill animal shelter.

Katie Short, the shelter’s coordinator, said they are proposing a two-story, 6,500-square-foot building to provide modern housing for the dogs, cats and other animals surrendered there.

“We’ve been at our facility for about 25 years now and we have to endure the normal wear and tear and daily beatings of the animals. So we want to build a new facility to better house these animals and also take over more from our local facilities so we can save more lives,” Short said.

The new facility will have more dog and cat rooms, a reception area and will separate dogs and cats by floor.

It will be in the same location as the current facility at 252 Brewer Rd in Morgantown.

Short says the Dog Splash is a great way for pet owners to spend time with their furry friends and get involved with the shelter.

“Many people aren’t able to volunteer or donate much, so this day gives them the opportunity to have fun with their animals while supporting the homeless animals in their community,” Short said. “It’s also a good day for friends to get together and spend time outside of work or outside of the house, relax and just enjoy the day by the pool.”

If you would like to support Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia but are unable to volunteer or donate, visit their thrift store in the Mountaineer Mall on Greenbag Road.

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