Heavy Rains May Postpone Annual Doggie Paddle

Because it’s raining dogs and OK—cats too—the second annual Manassas Park Doggie Paddle may be canceled Saturday, Jennifer Deuterman, marketing manager for the said Wednesday.

 The event is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. at , an outdoor facility.

 If it continues to rain, then the event will be held on Sept. 17, she said.

Rains and thunderstorms are expected every day until Tuesday.

 There is a 40 percent chance of rain on Saturday, according to forecasts.

  For now, the event is still on for Saturday, Deuterman said.

For the latest information on the event, Deuterman suggests checking the community center's Facebook page regularly.

 Last year, 81 dogs and 88 people attended the event. This year, Deuterman expects more than 100 people and animals to attend.

There will be rescues, vets and dog-related businesses on hand at the event, including Yappie Cuttery, PetSmart and A City Dog. “We will also be having a Manassas Park animal control officer on-site to license and tag dogs from Manassas Park,” she said.

Owners must bring proof that their dogs are vaccinated against Distemper, Parvo and Rabies. Dogs without up-to-date vaccination records and female dogs in heat will not be allowed in the park. Owners will not be allowed to enter the water with their animals and dogs swim at their own risk.

The Doggie Paddle will start at 10 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. The event is free for humans, but costs $5 per dog. There is a limit of two dogs per handler.