To the editor:

It could have been an outtake from a Disney movie. It would’ve been the part where the dogs are dog-tired of dog days of summer and take over the swimming pool. I was there for one hour, and it was marvelous mayhem. Counting as fast as I could, there must have been 50 dogs playing with joy.

The pool provided tennis balls for the occasion. Retrievers snagged as many balls as possible, as is their genetic duty. Dachshunds floated by me, like paddling logs. Jack Russell terriers collected notes for their novels from poolside. Huskies pretended it was snow and cause for celebration. Cocker spaniels, having lost track of their genealogy, held on to their owners’ shoulders and seemed content to bob. Herding dogs tried to organize things, and all the happy mutts considered it a beach party to rival Daytona.

When I lived in Tucson, the doggie park was a sand lot. My Labrador retriever specialized in excavating public park irrigation systems. I moved back to Lawrence for water, among other things, and have been evicted from local lakes for letting my dog swim, even when there was no one else around. This one day, we were in our element.

Thanks to Parks and Recreation and the city of Lawrence for offering this event. And my apologies to all the dogs from whom my dog stole toys. He has admitted to being powerless over floating retrievable objects and wanted to make amends. The dog biscuits were great, too, so I am told. Good job, Lawrence.

Brenda Gadd,

Lawrence