This year, June 25, a Saturday, is the date for the 11th annual summer dog wash, a fun day for the whole family and the main fundraiser each year to feed, shelter and give medical care to homeless animals sheltered at Solutions for Animals, a nonprofit, no-kill shelter run at Cindy Bristow’s residence in West Hoke County, just south of Aberdeen.

SFA has no paid personnel, so all the money raised goes directly to care for the animals until they are adopted — or for the rest of their lives at SFA.

The washing begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. The dog wash is held at Five Points Pet Resort between Aberdeen and Raeford, off N.C. 211, a co-sponsor. The resort is at 1405 Montrose Road, which is at the right off the highway at the Carolina Horse Park sign.

The dog wash offers $5 baths for dogs by devoted volunteers, and $5 nail trims done by professional groomer Elaine Reaves, and by Five Points’ groomer, Melanie.

“If your dog prefers, you may wash him or her yourself, but supplies are all provided, including the bathers,” says a spokesman.

In addition to the affordable bathing and nail clipping services, a veterinarian from Whispering Pines Animal Hospital will be present to give rabies vaccinations at affordable prices. There will be discounted flea and tick preventives.

This year, Cold Stone Creamery, of Aberdeen, will be providing ice cream treats, and music will be provided by Sound Sensations, a mobile disc jockey service, from Pinehurst. Lunch will be available from Buffalo Springs Baptist Church, of Raeford. Choose among sausage dogs, hot dogs, hamburgers and barbecue plus vegetarian items. Aberdeen Coca-Cola, of Aberdeen, is donating soft drinks for the 11th year. SFA is donating some beverages, and Five Points is donating lemonade.

Bristow is still looking for volunteers, and depending on the response, hopes to offer the ever-popular SFA Dog Police, who will arrest animals charged with being too cute, flirting, etc. Several people are also necessary to photograph and print pictures of the culprits after they are bonded out of doggie jail, for the owners to take home. Popular past offerings include face painting and humane pony rides, also requiring volunteer help.

“We need a minimum of 60 volunteers,” she says.

Call (910) 875-7244 to volunteer.