Submitted photo.

By Janet Sutton

This evening, dog owners and their beloved canines will have the opportunity to go on a wet and wild adventure while raising money for a worthy cause. At $10 per dog, pets can participate in the seventh annual Pooch Plunge at Lions Water Adventure at the Kinston Community Center.

During the event, the water park’s slides and other features will not be turned on but from 6-8 p.m., canines can splash inside the kiddie lagoon, fetch tennis balls or take in the aquatic atmosphere with their loved ones.

Kinston’s Brittany Heath has attended the event every year with her dog Agbar, a Belgium Malinois. She brings the retired military dog to the water park because he loves the water.

"It's awesome to see all the dogs out there having a good time," Heath said.

The Pooch Plunge has historically had anywhere from 75-100 dogs in attendance. All proceeds from admission supports the Lenoir County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Fundraisers like this are a big help to the Lenoir County SPCA, who’ll have officials on-site with an informational booth. Along with raising awareness, volunteers will sell dog treats and harnesses to benefit the nonprofit that feeds, shelters and rescues stray and neglected pets.

“We'll also be there to answer questions about dog training, fostering, adopting, volunteering and spay and neutering," Heather McClain-Howell, volunteer and board member for the Lenoir County SPCA, said.

Throughout the night, refreshments will be available for purchase from the Sandwich Shack food truck and Sunset Slush, and staff from Riverbank Animal Hospital will provide information about pet health care.

Along with treats and eats, volunteers from the Lenoir County SPCA will give gift bags to everyone who brings their dog. One lucky person will go home with a basket full of dog toys and treats donated by the Kinston Community Center, who’s hosting the event.

"We're really excited to partner with Lenoir County SPCA and let our furry friends have a fun night with their families," Kelly Cannon, executive director of Kinston Community Center, said.

She added she hopes the event will continue to grow each year.