Most likely, you’ve heard of a community car wash, but a community dog wash? That’s the kind of thing we here at Southforker can totally get behind.
This Saturday, the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (102 Old Riverhead Road West, Hampton Bays, 631-728-7387) hosts the 8th annual Shampooch — a special community-centric day where proud pet owners can bring their furry best friend for a bath, and one of many events within the foundation’s Summer of Tails series happening throughout this season.
“Shampooch has been one of the highlights of our year for the past eight years, and our staff and volunteers love it as much as the community does,” says Beatrix Parash, director of operations at SASF. “It’s a wonderful way for the community to see everything SASF does — and for our team to shine.”
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., community members are welcome to bring their dogs for a proper shampooing and/or nail trimming session. New this year is an “Ask the Dog Trainer” booth, where owners can sit down with a professional trainer and get real answers to everyday questions, particularly how to mitigate house training, leash pulling and other training issues.
In addition to the dog washing and a chance to meet the foundation’s adoptable animals, Shampooch will feature lots of family-friendly action, from pony rides and face painting to 50/50 raffles and a large basket auction with over 40 prizes. (Photos courtesy of Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation)
Additionally, the event will feature a good old-fashioned car wash as well as myriad family-friendly activities throughout the day. Aside from a chance to meet some of the adoptable animals currently staying at the facility, action includes live music from DJ Slay J, carnival-style games, face painting, pony rides, a bubble-themed photo booth, goodies from nearly two dozen vendors, plus a handful of food trucks and stands offering snacks and beverages.
According to Parash, 78 dogs were washed at last year’s event, along with just over 80 cars, and 50 nail trims given as well.
SASF is the largest open-admission, no-kill pet rescue and adoption center on the East End, taking in every animal, no matter the breed, age or health condition. The foundation was formed and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2009, and officially took over operations of the previously town-run animal shelter at its current Hampton Bays location in early 2010 to privatize and rescue the facility as a no-kill shelter.
In addition to adoptions, the shelter operates a low-cost veterinary clinic, as well as public spay/neuter, vaccination and microchipping services. Last year, the shelter found homes for 600 animals, and it is currently home to over 220, according to a press release from the foundation.
“A lot of people, really to this day, think we’re a municipal shelter or don’t know that we’re even here in Red Creek Park,” Parash says. “They don’t necessarily get that we’re a nonprofit, relying heavily on donations. It’s events like these that help spread awareness of who we are and what we’re doing. We’re in the business of keeping people with their pets and to guide them responsibly on how to do so.”
Admission to Saturday’s event is free. Each wash, whether it’s your car or your dog, costs $20.
