Solutions for Animals no-kill shelter invites the family for some good cool fun this year at the 11th annual dog wash on Saturday, June 25.

Between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., just look for the billboard on N.C. 211 south of Aberdeen, and go straight to Five Points Pet Resort, at 1495 Montrose Road, where for $5, your family pet(s) can get a bath by four volunteers at each of four bathing stations.

For another $5 each, kids can get an all-day pass to play in bouncy houses, one dry and one with a water slide. The other $5 bargains are nail clips for Fido, a rabies shot from the Whispering Pines Animal Hospital, right there at the Five Points place.

Lively music will be on hand by Sound Sensations, a mobile disc jockey service from Pinehurst, pony rides, 15 different raffles for the adults, and food galore so you can eat lunch at the dog wash. Buffalo Springs Baptist Church, of Raeford, will have hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue and vegetarian food, while Aberdeen Coca-Cola and Cold Stone Creamery of Aberdeen will supply drinks and ice cream.

Volunteers and sponsors are still needed to help with the dogs from the Humane Society and SFA by transport.

"Also for $5 you can help by donating the money to bathe one of the adoptable, adorable canines at the dog wash," says a spokesman.

SFA, operated by Cindy Bristow out of her home near Five Points, is responsible for about 100 animals at any given time, some of them living in foster care at volunteers' homes, and many at Bristow's own residence.

"My goal is to provide a service that people want and need for the money they spend at the dog wash," says Bristow, "and 100 percent of the money we make or donations goes for the care and feeding of the homeless animals."

Bristow has kept to that $5 price for the basics all 11 years in a row. Of course a lot more than that is needed to feed and provide other care for the animals until they are adopted. Some live out their lives at SFA and are never adopted, but the expense must be offset by substantial donations and sponsorships as well as the funds collected at the dog wash. SFA has no paid employees but operates with volunteer help only.

Call (910) 875-7244 to volunteer, be a sponsor, or for more details on how to have a great time outdoors in the wide open spaces along with the dogs and their people.