A doggone good time
It's traditionally held the day after the pool closes for the season, making it a predictable event for owners. And while dog toys, wagging tails and the sound of paws on concrete aren't the typical hallmarks of the pool, it was still a different kind of summer fun for all in attendance.
"We think it's great. It's a way to round out the year, and it's a way for the dogs to burn off some steam. And it's a way to contribute to the Humane Society, which is very important to me. We have a couple of rescue animals at home," explained Leslie Middleton, who brought her dog Bailey along.
Despite a spectrum of sizes, and a vast number of breeds, there wasn't much commotion between the canines. They happily congregated in the children's pool and the large pool—splashing, playing fetch or mingling with their owners.
"It's an environment where the dogs can just go out and have fun, and get to know each other," said Bryan Fehr, who brought along his "granddoggies" with his wife. "And if you stand around, you can get a shower," he mused, as the dogs would shake the water off themselves after climbing out of the pool.
It was also raining, but the dogs and their families didn't seem to mind the extra moisture.
"The dogs go home very tired, very happy. It's always been a big success. Even the years where we have felt like we shouldn't have it because it's bad out, it's raining, we come here and people are waiting to get in," explained Debbie Mackey, organizer of the event. "I think last year we ended up with maybe 65 or 70 dogs."
All of the proceeds went to the Wayne County Humane Society, which is located on 1161 Mechanicsburg Rd. in Wooster. Their mission is to "provide compassion to the animals entrusted to our care, to measurably reduce companion animal overpopulation and to take a leadership role in educating and promoting humane values."
However, the purpose wasn't solely to raise funds, as Mackey explained. It was designed to be a fun event to promote the wellbeing of both the owners and their furry friends. For some of the animals, it was the only opportunity to swim all season.
"We appreciate any kind of help that we get from anybody; whether it's volunteering at the shelter, donations made to the shelter throughout the year. This is a way, I guess, that maybe we can give back a little bit," Mackey continued.
Veterinarians and lifeguards were also in attendance to assure that everything ran smoothly. According to two of the lifeguards, Sabrina Bias and Kassi Krebs, being introduced to so many different breeds was a highlight. Their role was to assure that the pets and the owners were safe. "I love it. It's exciting, and it's fun and it's nice to see all the people out here with their dogs, and everybody's getting along and laughing and having a good time. Even though it's a rainy day, it hasn't affected anyone," said Krebs.
Further, for the puppies, it was an opportunity to get accustomed to other dogs and to get comfortable in new environments.
"I think it's fun. He likes it. That's why we brought him, to socialize him, and he's just been very good with all the other dogs," explained Nancy Zuercher, whose new dog's name was Buster.