The Little Rhodie Bully Breed Club had all they needed for what has become a traditional New Year’s Day dip at City Park for the benefit of preparing pit bulls for adoption. There was lots of sunshine; there wasn’t too much wind; there was an ample group of swimmers, including one team in grass skirts and, of course, just about everyone brought their dog.

One thing was missing, however. It was low tide, very low tide. Plungers would have to walk – well, most dashed – half the way to Oakland Beach before the water reached their knees.

That may have caused second thoughts for some who wore their winter coats or wrapped themselves in blankets before exposing any skin to the 24-degree temperature and making a dash for it. Wearing shorts and a T-shirt, which he soon took off, Eric conditioned himself as his wife, Jennifer and their dog, Brock, found a place in the sun.

Funds raised, explained Harry Parker, who also splashed his way to knee-deep waters, help the club place pit bulls from animal shelters across the state. He said as many as six to eight dogs undergo “training” sessions at the club’s offices on West Shore Road in Conimicut every week. Volunteers work with the dogs to socialize with other dogs and interact with people.

Armed with a bullhorn, Susan Parker, the spark plug to the club and its founder, rallied everyone before sending them in search of the water. More than a dozen trophies glittered in the sun in front of her.

“We’re doing this now, because once you’ve been in the water you’re going to be out of here,” she said. No one disagreed. The awards were given to volunteers in recognition of their work and commitment to the breed that frequently, in their words, gets a bad rap. And while there were many pit bulls and even a few visiting breeds, there weren’t any fights. Rather, there were lots of wagging tails and playful running around.

As Sue got to the last of the awards, shoes, pants and jackets came off. The assembly – spectators, plungers and dogs – moved down the beach. Cameras and cell phones came out of pockets and then with hooting and hollering the plungers ran into the water.

Sensibly, the dogs stayed on shore and watched. Harry Parker estimated the plunge – well, more than a wallow in the shallows – raised more than $1,000.