Customers and volunteers are all invited for some good clean fun at the 12th Annual Dog Wash and Festival fundraiser for Solutions for Animals Inc.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 9, at Five Points Pet Resort, 1495 Montrose Road, in Raeford. Admission is free.

"The annual dog wash is being held earlier than in previous years so that the outdoor event can be held in comparatively cool late spring conditions instead of summer," says a spokesman.

Daredevil skydivers will add to the entertainment. Also, the popular huge water slide will be there for the second year in a row to help everyone cool off, for free. This is sponsored by the Five Points Pet Resort.

The money raised by the annual dog wash baths goes directly to the support of nonprofit Solutions For Animals Inc.'s rescued dogs and other furry creatures.

Without the annual fundraiser, SFA would have a hard time feeding and caring for the animals waiting for a loving home at Cindy Bristow's no-kill shelter near the pet resort. SFA has no paid personnel and is completely dependent on volunteers and donations.

"Our goal is to provide a very affordable and fun day for the whole family while raising funds for the many animals in need through the summer months," says Bristow, who owns and runs the no-kill shelter at her home just off N.C. 211 between Aberdeen and Raeford.

"We desperately need at least 60 volunteers for event day," she adds.

To keep five dog wash stations in action, they need three to four people per station. Other volunteers are needed to man booths. Donations from sponsors are always welcome to help defray some of the costs.

Donations received by May 29 will enable SFA to add businesses' names to sponsor signage with a "thanks" posted at the event for all to see. Sponsors will be named according to the range of their donations: a Bubble Bath Sponsor donates any amount from $1 to $100; Super Bubble Bath Sponsors donate any amount from $101 on up to $200; and a Super Duper Bubble Bath Sponsor donates any amount from $201-$400.

"As in the past, the fun and bargains you and your family have become accustomed to will be there between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.," says the spokesman. "The dog baths are only $5, same price as always. Our dog-loving, hard-working volunteers do the bathing with our soap, warm water and towels while you supply the dog. Or, you can do the bathing if your dog prefers."

Buffalo Spring Baptist Church in Raeford will have lunch available, and Cold Stone Creamery, of Aberdeen, will make ice cream available. Coca-Cola of Aberdeen will provide the cold beverages, and Sound Sensations, a mobile disc jockey service, will sponsor Matt Peden to supply the music.

There will be prizes for Best Shaker given every hour, healthy treats for your furry member of the family from Fur-Baby Pantry, several raffles to choose from, and animals suitable for adoption at this event.

"Aside from the bargain doggie baths for the minimum donation of $5, you can get your furry pal's nails trimmed for $5 by professional groomers Elaine Reaves and Melanie Alexander," says the spokesman.

Whispering Pines Animal Hospital will have personnel on site to give $6 rabies vaccinations from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. only.

For more information or to volunteer, call Bristow at (910) 315-8767. Visit www.solutionsforanimals.petfinder.org.