This article was featured in WYDaily on 8/19/22.

The dog days of summer are passing by, meaning one thing – it’s time for the annual Drool in the Pool event by the Heritage Humane Society.

Greater Williamsburg’s animal shelter has teamed up with James City Parks & Recreation for this treasured yearly event. On Sat., Sept. 10, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., residents and their furry friends are invited to come out to the pool at the Chickahominy Riverfront Park located at 1350 John Tyler Hwy, Williamsburg. The Heritage Humane Society asks for a $10 donation per dog with all proceeds helping the homeless pets they serve at the shelter.

Take a deep dive or chill on the pool deck

In this 2021 video, 150 dogs came out for a splashtastic time resulting in $2,000 raised for homeless pets. Dogs have free reign of the pool to swim and perfect their belly flops while bidding farewell to summer. Pups not so eager to take a dip are just as welcome to enjoy the festivities. Refreshments, goodies, and vendors will be featured at the event. 92.3 The Tide will be spinning tunes from the event over local airwaves. The event is still accepting vendors. Those interested can email the shelter at [email protected].

Muddy Marley’s Dog Wash will host a bubble bath station. For a $10 donation per dog, your pooch can get lathered up, rinsed off, and towel dried, a welcomed treat for all for the ride home. Proceeds are being generously donated to help the homeless shelter pets at the Heritage Humane Society.

Rebecca Mulvain, Owner of Muddy Marley’s Dog Wash shared, “We are excited to help support a great cause for a fifth year in a row and we are looking forward to seeing all the cute pups!”

The Chickahominy Riverfront Park Pool is fenced-in, so dogs have the opportunity to jump and play off their leashes. The pool will be available to the dogs. While owners are not allowed in the pool, Heritage Humane Society volunteers will be in there to help and keep each pup safely having summer fun. There will also be a splash pad, baby pools, and toys available for the dogs to play.

Sign up for splish-splashing fun

To save time, people can sign-up online or learn more at the Drool in the Pool Facebook event page. Dogs must be up to date on their vaccinations to attend. The $10 donation per dog can be paid at the event by cash, check, or credit card. The event is weather permitting and if inclement weather is expected, the Heritage Humane Society will update its website with any changes.

Drool in the Pool is held on the Saturday after Labor Day, the day the pool closes to the public. James City County Parks & Recreation gives Heritage Humane Society full access to the pool. They don’t mind how much fur fills the pool because they end up draining the pool after this end-of-summer event.

James City County Parks & Recreation staff note the department has cultivated a strong, working partnership with Heritage Humane Society for many years.

“We believe in their life-saving mission to educate the public on animal care and to aid in the transition from stray or surrendered animals to finding their forever homes,” says Laurie Williams, Special Events Coordinator at James City County Parks & Recreation. “James City Country Parks & Recreation has supported the Heritage Humane Society’s tireless efforts through fun, family-friendly and dog-friendly events such as Drool in the Pool and we cannot think of a better way to end the summer season than to see our canine companions ‘get their swim on’ in this one-of-a-kind event that supports an amazing organization.”

Don’t have a dog? Join in.

Area residents are welcome to come watch this fun-loving sight. If you are interested in opening up your home in time for Drool the Pool, there is a wide range of homeless dogs up for adoption. The Heritage Humane Society participates in the annual, nationwide pet adoption movement, Clear the Shelters. Now through August 31, adopters can play Plinko, the game made popular for millions of people on television’s The Price is Right.

Some of the shelters most eager pups searching for fur-ever homes include:

Meet Murtagh. This social, happy boy gets along with everyone. He’s everything you’ve ever dreamed of in a companion and wants nothing more than to be as close to you as possible. He adores being pet. Already 2 years old, Murtagh isn’t going to wear you out with boundless puppy wiggles rather he’d prefer to snuggle up to you or go on a nice walk.

Meet Deacon. This handsome boy loves toys and even bigger cuddles. He lights up when he is around people. Deacon is also quite smart and already knows “sit” and “paw,” and would love to learn more. Deacon is 3 years old and is a big fan of the great outdoors. He has had a great time playing with volunteers and staff at the shelter to burn off some of his doggy energy. He’s excellent on a leash and loves a good car ride with his people.

Meet Clay. At just seven months old, this puppy is the epitome of adorable. Clay has beautiful chocolate and caramel fur that shines in the sunlight. He loves chasing balls (and sometimes even brings them back!), treats, naps, and perhaps most of all, people. He is also all puppy and is working hard (and making good progress) on learning some doggy manners. He is smart, food-motivated, and above all else excited to find his forever family.

Those who adopt puppies or dogs from the Heritage Humane Society also receive a special $40 off voucher for dog training classes. Dog Training Instructor Adam Claar provides the dog training classes and free workshops at the Heritage Humane Society. His classes are open to all area canines, as well.

To learn more and to register your dog for training, visit HeritageHumane.org or call 757-221-0150. Heritage Humane Society is located at 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

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