LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Some say splashing into the fall is the best way to ring in the season.
On Sunday, the Little Rock Animal Village and Friends of the Animal Village hosted its annual pool party for both furry friends and humans to enjoy.
During the pool party, Doggie Paddle Day, a fundraiser that looks to shine a light on what it means to provide better lives for animals in the community, was also underway.
As dogs and pet parents enjoyed the fun in the sun, the event meant so much more than just a day of enjoyment.
"The city animal shelter, takes in 3000 to 4000 animals a year, and they're not just taking them in, they're trying to adopt them," explained Betsy Robb, Spokesperson for Friends of Animal Village.
Each year, the Little Rock Animal Village takes in thousands of pets that are looking for their forever homes. The fundraiser held on Sunday was a way to raise money in hopes of being able to assist in treatment and provide extra support for dogs in need.
"That money helps with things like heartworm treatment, spaying, and neutering. [And] providing additional supplies and things that are a little bit above the basic," Robb described.
It also went towards assisting with facility upgrades in an effort to help tackle overcrowding issues— something that's not only present in Arkansas shelters but also around the world.
"It added a lot of facility needs, like a dedicated room for volunteers, a dog grooming station, things that really help add to their capabilities as they care for thousands of animals a year," she explained.
Through the Animal Village's mission of increasing adoptions, pet parents like Greg Fundyler have been living proof that you can't change a dog's past but you can rewrite their future through the love of adoption.
Greg explained how he knew that the event would serve as an opportunity to give his beloved furry companions the experience of a lifetime.
"It only happens once or twice a year when the different places close down their pools. So it's very important for me to take her in particular, because it's so exciting for her, and she's only gonna get so many of these in her life," Fundyler described,
For more information on how you can help support the Little Rock Animal Village through the Friends of the Animal Village, please click here.