This pooch’s owner attached a mini-cam on his back to record the activities.

Leonardtown, MD — The success of this event can be judged by the number of wagging tails and dripping bodies. The pool at Leonard’s Grant subdivision in Leonardtown was transformed Sunday, Sept. 11 into a big doggie play date for the first Dog Days of Summer Pooch Plunge. The event benefitted the St. Mary’s Animal Welfare League (SMAWL) whose members assisted in helping reluctant pooches in and out of the pool.

Community member Mindy Deney told The BayNet that the neighborhood board was looking for a fundraiser in order to help defray the cost of the pool maintenance. Knowing that other communities had held similar events, they contacted SMAWL, several of whose members live in Leonard’s Grant, and the idea blossomed.

The event netted SMAWL $854.17, which will be put to good use to support the rescue group’s Dog Program, including intake vetting, and dog care, according to Dog Team Manager Donna Poudrier. Dogs in shelters or turned over by owners make up the four-legged clients of SMAWL’s rescue and adoption program

Due to the extreme costs for veterinary care for some of the dogs accepted into their program, SMAWL has had to suspend temporarily taking in additional dogs. Anyone interested in donating to help ease that restriction can be a Guardian Angel to dogs awaiting rescue in shelters in the area.

Anyone interested in donating to the Dog Intake program can go to www.smawl.org to donate either via Paypal or check. They should note that the funds should be directed to SMAWL Dog Intake.

St. Mary’s Animal Welfare League has two upcoming fundraising events The first is a 5K Fun Run and Trail Walk scheduled for Oct. 22 in St. Mary’s City. They can register at http://www.active.com/st-mary-s-city-md/running/trail-run-races/smawl-rescue-fun-run-and-trail-walk-2016?cmp=39-34-156210

They also have a pet photo contest going on for SMAWL’s 2017 calendar. Pet pictures can be submitted to SMAWL.

And to get a look at the smiling faces and waggin’ tails of the pooches at the pool plunge at Leonard’s Grant, please taker a look at the attached Photo Gallery.

Contact Dick Myers at dick.myers@thebaynet.com