Michelle Pugh and Skeeter.

Michelle Pugh, owner of Dive Experience and master diver, said it was her dog Skeeter's idea to help fellow rescue animals at the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center (AWC) “Get Wet for the Pets” fund-raiser Saturday.

Pugh took seven people on her dive boat to snorkel and explore the waters around Green Cay. All proceeds went to the animal shelter.

“This was a great outing,” said Gretchen Sherrill, animal shelter coordinator. “We are so glad Skeeter thought of it.”

The trip was $40 and included a mask, snorkel and fins. It resulted in $360 going directly to the center. Profits from the refreshments and snacks on sale also benefited the center.

“It was awesome,” said Barb Daniels, a participant in the trip. “We saw a spotted ray and a barracuda. It was a good day for snorkeling.”

Pugh, a master diver, began her career at age 16. She was the first woman to photograph killer whales in the waters off the Canadian coast and was the first dive operator in St. Croix to achieve PADI 5 Star IDC rating.

Dive Experience has also created a discount Saturday to benefit AWC. Every third Saturday of the month customers who bring in three cans of dog or cat food will receive 20 percent off all dive gear in the store that day.

“Maybe next we will try to do a snorkel trip that people can't get to from the beach every third Saturday,” Pugh said. “We will think of some different way to help the center until we get something spectacular.”

The St. Croix AWC serves the entire St. Croix community – responding to abuse, roaming dogs, picking up unwanted animals and providing care.

“The center depends on community support from the public, like Dive Experience, to help raise funds and maintain essential operations in St.Croix,” Sherrill said. “It is a challenging job in the community, but we are grateful for the support from merchants and citizens that come out for the benefit of our mission.”

Sherrill said the center's operating funds were cut by 55 percent and running the center costs 10 times the amount funded by the government. She also said due to the economic downturn people aren't making as many donations as in the past. She added that the center's workload has increased as a lot more owners are surrendering their pets because they can't afford them.

Sherrill said there are numerous ways people can help. They can volunteer help or donate newspaper, sheets, blankets, food, cleaning supplies and more.

On Aug. 29, the AWC will hold a clean up spruce up day at the center. On Sept. 5 there will be a Party for Paws golden oldies party.

To find out more or to volunteer call 778-1650 or visit www.StCroixAWC.org. Or for more information, call Sherrill or email communications@stcroixawc.org.