BACK FOR THE SPLASH

0
326
PAWS Hancock will host its annual pool party on Saturday at the Riley Park Pool. Submitted

GREENFIELD — A comment on the PAWS Facebook page reads simply, “They are doing it again! Let’s go!”

It’s true. The PAWS Pool Party is back. Following a year when the event was canceled by renovations on the Riley Park Pool and the unexpected death of founder Nancy Rubino in January, dogs and their owners can return to the water. The 15th annual Partners for Animal Welfare Society pool party will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 24 at the Riley Park Pool, 300 Apple St.

The cost to attend is $10 for one person with one dog with a $2 charge for every additional dog and person in the group up to $20. Lifeguards will be on duty, and the concession stand area will be open with PAWS volunteers selling hot dogs, chips, cookies, soda and water.

Mike Rubino, Nancy’s husband, has taken over at the helm of the organization and applauds the dog-friendly redesign of the pool.

[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]Click here to purchase photos from this gallery

“The remodeling of the pool is excellent for dogs,” he said. “A large ramp leads down into a large wading area, and another ramp goes into the main pool.”

“It’s kind of like a beach,” adds board member Renee Schmidt, “where you can just walk out into the water.”

The recent renovations included the addition last year of a splash pad that will be open, but not to the dogs.

The PAWS board of directors is happy to bring back its biggest — and most popular — fundraiser. The 2017 event drew about 200 people and raised several thousand dollars.

Rubino reflects on the days following Nancy’s death and acknowledges the group effort of the board of directors and volunteers. Decisions were made to continue the work to which Nancy devoted countless hours over 19 years.

“Within hours of Nancy’s passing, everybody stepped up and put in a lot of extra time,” said Rubino. “To this day, they still are.”

PAWS has continued its mission of animal rescue, education, and the spaying and neutering of pets to reduce the homelessness among cats and dogs. The organization maintain a retail store and shelter in the Schakel Center on west U.S. 40; hosts adoptions at local events and businesses and facilitates the low-cost spay and neuter of adoptable animals.

Tasks are divided among the board members and volunteers to coordinate adoption events, maintain the shelter and carry animals to and from a Noblesville facility for spay-and-neuter operations. PAWS currently transports around 60 cats and dogs per month, amounting to 700 a year. Pets and adoptable animals in PAWS’ care also receive health exams, dental care, vaccinations and microchipping. These efforts are made possible through donations, fundraising and grants, and all require hours of volunteer time.

“I knew how well Nancy was as a communicator,” he added, “but I didn’t have any idea on how much she was a coordinator. She was the glue that held this organization together.”

[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”If you go” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]

What: The 15th annual PAWS pool party

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 24

Where: Riley Park Swimming Pool, 300 Apple St.

Details: The cost to attend is $10 for one person with one dog with a $2 charge for every additional dog and person in the group up to $20; lifeguards on duty; food and snacks available for purchase

[sc:pullout-text-end][sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”At a glance” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]

PAWS is always in need of volunteers in the following areas:

Matchmaker Adoption Events: PAWS conducts regularly scheduled adoption events for homeless animals at the Greenfield Tractor Supply Store and other locations. Matchmaker volunteers walk dogs, groom cats, set up cages, transport animals to the adoption site, interview potential adopters, answer questions about PAWS and the animals available for adoption, and clean cages and return them to storage.

Cat Caretakers: The PAWS Center is home to 30+ cats and kittens who need care seven days a week including feeding, watering, scooping litter boxes, sweeping, dusting, and, of course, playing and petting the cats and kittens.

Kitty Cuddlers: Visit the PAWS Center and spend time playing, petting, cuddling, and socializing with kittens and adult cats.

Low Cost Spay and Neuter Programs: PAWS provides low cost spay/neuter opportunities for cats and dogs living in Hancock County. On Mondays, PAWS volunteers transport cats and dogs from the PAWS Center to the spay/neuter clinic in Noblesville. Volunteers are needed to schedule appointments, to check-in cats and dogs and to transport the pets to and from the clinic.

Foster Programs: Foster homes are needed for dogs and cats, puppies and kittens. Fill out an online application at pawshancock.org to become a foster home for an animal in need.

To volunteer or provide support for PAWS’ mission, visit pawshancock.org

[sc:pullout-text-end]