Cross Creek Country Club is going to the dogs as part of an event to aid a local animal-rescue organization.

The facility on Greenhill Road will host the first-ever Cross Creek Country Club Dog Show next Saturday on behalf of Surry Animal Rescue, an 11-year-old organization.

It will feature an array of activities designed to entertain and education the public, while raising awareness about the various ways dogs contribute to society, according to Linda Mooney, founder and director of Surry Animal Rescue. The need to adopt animals without homes will be emphasized as well, Mooney said.

The event, which is open to the public, is scheduled for Aug. 18 from noon to 3 p.m. in the atrium at Cross Creek, an outdoor section of the country club.

Police dog demonstrations by officers of the Mount Airy Police Department and Surry County Sheriff’s Office are planned, along with a “flyball” exhibition by Donna Shelton and the dogs Emme and Kiley.

Another highlight will be an appearance by Matt McCrystal, billed as a “K9 all-star dog trainer” of service and other animals, who plans to give a demonstration.

“I guess the main thing is I want people to understand that these dogs can be so helpful in so many ways,” Mooney said of one of the show’s intents.

Dr. Renee Sykes of Animal Medical Services will be a guest veterinarian at the show, leading a question-and-answer session on various topics.

Dog-agility demonstrations also are to be part of the show, showcasing canines’ ability to go through tunnels and negotiate similar obstacles.

In addition, foster dogs available for adoption will be on display. “And they’re great dogs,” said Mooney, who added that “people always think they need to get purebreds from breeders.”

A “doggie fashion show” is planned at 1 p.m. Saturday, but is open only to country club members.

However, non-members are still invited to show off their canines during the other parts of the event. “You can bring your dogs,” Mooney said, which can be dressed up if their owners prefer.

The overall theme of next Saturday’s show dedicated to dogs is that “they need help and they help us,” Mooney said.

Surry Animal Rescue was founded in 2001 to deal with situations such as neglected or abused pets. “We probably rescue 350 to 400 dogs a year,” the organization’s founder said.

While the upcoming dog show is free, money jars will be available for donations.

The only activity with a price attached will be a cookout-type lunch at the country club which will be available for purchase. Those interested are asked to call 789-5193 to make reservations.

More information is available at the website surryanimalrescue.org, by email at surryanimalrescue@hotmail.com. or by calling the organization at 789-2328.

Organizers hope the dog show will become an annual event.

Reach Tom Joyce at 719-1924 or tjoyce@heartlandpublications.com.