Freeze Your Tail Off For Homeless Animals At Doggie Paddle Plunge

Press release from the New Hampshire SPCA:

Winter is in full swing, and the New Hampshire SPCA is excited to announce the return of its much-loved frigid fundraiser, the Doggie Paddle Plunge, presented by Jackson Lewis, and Murphy, Powers & Wilson CPAs. After a two-year hiatus, this Seacoast favorite is back and promises to make a big splash! The Plunge will take place on Saturday, March 18th at Great Island Common in New Castle, NH. Festivities begin at 11 am, with the Plunge itself at noon.

Each year, the Doggie Paddle Plunge challenges brave and spirited animal lovers to ‘freeze their tail off’ and dive into the icy Atlantic Ocean in support of the New Hampshire SPCA. Participants also known as “Plungers” can register individually or as a group, collecting donations from family, friends and anyone who challenges them to ‘take the Plunge.’ This event is crucial to the lifesaving work of the New Hampshire SPCA, raising critical funds that provide warmth, nourishment, and medical care to the thousands of homeless animals that come through their doors in an average year.

The more a Plunger raises, the more they’re rewarded with awesome New Hampshire SPCA prizes. Cozy slippers will be available to anyone who registers, and for those that show their dedication to the animals through fundraising, there’s even more. Plungers who raise $50 will earn an insulated tumbler, while fundraising to $150 gets participants the Plunge’s highly coveted long-sleeve tee featuring this year’s custom dog-themed artwork. Those who reach the two top levels, $500 and $1,000, earn a plush fleece throw and an embroidered fleece Jacket, both from Land’s End.

The event on March 18th will begin in the New Castle Recreation Center at Great Island Common at 11 am with check-in, donation submissions and a hot drink and snacks before the big chill. At noon sharp, the shenanigans head to the beach, with Plungers running full speed ahead into the wintry waters of the Atlantic. It’s a sight to be seen, with costumes, comradery, and crowds of family and friends cheering them on. Festivities then continue back indoors, where a hot meal and more awaits.

“We are so excited to finally bring back the Doggie Paddle Plunge after a pandemic related hiatus,” says Sheila Ryan, Director of Development and Marketing at the New Hampshire SPCA. “This event is vital for our agency, raising essential funds that benefit not only the dogs in our care, but the cats, farm animals and small animals too. Thanks to the commitment of our spirited and passionate Plungers, we’ll be able to provide essential medical procedures, lifesaving care, and many other resources our rescue teams need. Every person, every pledge, no matter the size, helps us continue this work, and we are forever grateful!”

Registration fees are $40 for Adult Plungers, $25 for Youth Plungers (under 18), and $15 for Virtual Plungers, and include pre-Plunge hot drinks and snacks, and lunch immediately after. Plungers can register in advance or at the event, and family and friends are welcome to join in the revelry and cheer on the Plungers from the beach and for a small donation, enjoy lunch. To register and learn more, visit https://nhspca.org/doggie-paddle-plunge-2023/.

This press release was produced by the New Hampshire SPCA. The views expressed here are the author's own.