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Imagine, if you will, a swimming pool filled with dogs, lots and lots of dogs and their owners. Swimming side by side in the cool water, they splash around.

This scenario is not a page out of a storybook, but reality.

The Humane Society of Alamance County's annual Dog Splash will be Sunday afternoon at the Maynard Aquatic Center. The cost is $5, and all you have to bring is proof of your dog's rabies vaccination. They ask that you do not bring any dogs that are in heat or are aggressive.

This is just one of many of the enjoyable fundraisers that the HSAC holds each year as it works toward the goal of reducing Alamance County's animal population.

The HSAC is a volunteer, nonprofit organization relying on the donations, memberships and fundraisers. They do not receive taxpayer money nor do they receive money from the Humane Society of the United States. They do not own or operate the local animal shelter.

Animals cared for by the HSAC stay in foster homes, cared for by volunteers until they can be adopted.

The direction of the HSAC is guided by the volunteer board of directors.

"I never cease to be amazed at the tireless energy and giving spirit of our board and volunteers," said Bev Gude, HSAC's executive director. "These people do tremendous work and usually without thanks, notice or acknowledgement. Most of our volunteers have full-time jobs and yet give HSAC much of their free time and enthusiasm."

Gude said HSAC offers a low-cost spay/neuter program, a foster/rescue program, education program "and gives loads of information and referrals through our office. We also help with feral cat issues with trap/neuter/release assistance and offer emergency pet food assistance."

Nine area veterinary hospitals assist the HSAC by participating in its low-cost spay/neuter programs.

The HSAC hopes to add more veterinary hospitals this year. The efforts of the many doctors and staff at these veterinary hospitals have helped provide more than 10,000 surgeries in the years since the program began.

"Alamance County is very lucky to have so many hospitals helping to meet the need here," Gude reflects.

Future plans for the HSAC include paying off the mortgage it has on a piece of land it purchased with the vision of building a spay/neuter clinic. It is working on raising enough funds to make this vision a reality.

One of the easiest ways to get involved with HSAC's efforts is through various levels of membership, open to everyone. Applications and information about HSAC membership can be found at www.hsaconline.org. You also can pick up information at one of the many events it participates in or hosts throughout the year.

Events vary from pet adoption fairs to various events around town where HSAC shares information.

HSAC's biggest fundraiser this year is its 10th annual Tour de Tailwaggers on Oct. 11 at Burlington City Park's ball field.

"Dog walkers are encouraged to raise money for the tour by obtaining sponsors for the leisurely walk around the park," Gude said.

There are incentives for finding sponsors for your walk around the park. Dog walkers who raise at least $25 will receive a tour t-shirt and a goody bag, and walkers who raise at least $100 get a sweatshirt as well as a tour t-shirt and a goody bag.

Prizes will be given away, too. First prize is a $297 gift card to PetSmart; second, a $150 gift card to JCPenney and a $50 gift card to Target; third, a $100 gift card to Blue Ribbon Diner or the Village Grill. A $50 gift card will be given to the child, age 12 or younger, who raises the most money.

Activities include games, contests, agility and flyball demonstrations. Food and craft vendors will be on hand.

Dogs can partake in the Canine Good Citizen Test. Alamance County's own "Dog Whisperer," Rion Ferguson, also will make an appearance.

Perhaps as you see the HSAC truck in the PetSmart parking lot, you'll be reminded of the volunteers who give back to our community by caring for some of the smaller and furrier residents of Alamance County. Their efforts make Alamance County a better place, and for that we are grateful.

Linda Vestal is a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend living in Gibsonville. Contact her with comments or story ideas at lindavestal@triad.rr.com.