Canines Cool Off, Clean Up During Charity Event In Old City

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Friday is a day dedicated to your furry friends.

It's National Dog Day, but the celebration got underway Thursday evening in Old City with some outdoor grooming.

On the sidewalk outside Hotel Monaco, pooches were getting soaped up, hosed down, then they'd shake it all off. This was part of the hotel's annual Dog Days of Summer event, benefiting Philadelphia's Saved Me shelter.

"This was planned this way to bring attention to National Dog Day and focus on people and their relationship with pets," says the shelter's executive director Raymond Little.

He says dogs always seem to react differently to getting a bath:

"Some stand outside the tub, some are ready to jump into the tub, but most just sort of stand still for as long as they can."

Ashley Heath's schmoodle Murphy was not one of them...

"He does not like to be wet," she said. "It's not his favorite activity, but he's happy now. He won't do anything, he just looks like he's being tortured."

Ashley adopted Murphy at Saved Me four years ago. Thursday's event was free, but donations were collected.

Several dogs from the shelter looking for a forever home were also on hand, joining Murphy and Theresa's miniature schnauzer, Grady:

"He loves his bath," she says. "His sister, Louise, isn't too happy."

She says the event seems to get more popular each year:

"It is bustling, there's a lot of people waiting in line to get their dog's bath. I appreciate all the volunteers."

After the dog wash, owners could bring their pups to the hotel's Red Owl Tavern for the "Dogs & Suds" happy hour.

Saved Me is located in Northern Liberties. CLICK HERE for more information.

In:
• Community
• Pets
• Philadelphia