A Yappy Hour fundraiser and celebration of National Dog Day will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Fish Tales, 3203 Fort McAllister Road at the Fort McAllister Marina on the Ogeechee River.

The BYOD (Bring Your Own Dog) celebration is the first in a series of events planned for the next six months. The money raised supports the campaign of the Bryan County Bark Park, a nonprofit organization obtaining 501(c)(3) status. Funds raised will help pay off the park’s building loan.

“We had an incredibly successful spring fundraiser, but have $3,500 remaining to pay off the construction loan. The park cost $53,000 to
develop the land allocated to us by the county, build the handicapped-access path, develop signage and construct the Bark Park,” said Wendy Bolton, president of the Bryan County Bark Park. “In addition, generous supporters provided over $15,000 in-kind services. Many people may not realize the Bark Park Association is responsible for the majority of costs associated with keeping the Bark Park open. Our monthly maintenance expenses are around $500 and include electricity for the lights and fountain, providing poop bags, landscaping and keeping the website updated. Everyone who works tirelessly for the Bark Park is an unpaid volunteer.”

According to nationaldogday.com, National Dog Day has been celebrated annually on Aug. 26 since and raises awareness of the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, and acknowledges family dogs as well as dogs that work to save lives and keep people safe.  

Donations may be tax-deductible. Go to bryancountybarkpark.com and find the group on Facebook.