Archive for Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Dog paddle is the stroke that signals pool’s close
A golden retriever hits the water on Tuesday, cooling off and having a day of play at the Lawrence Aquatic Center.
September 3, 2008
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Chris Breit and his Whippet, Poppy, play at the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center in Sept. 2008. Several hundred dog owners brought their pets to the pool for the Pooch Plunge, the final event of the summer.
On the street
What activities do you and your dog enjoy?
He goes on all the car rides, we do the dog park, our daily walk and he loves to visit the school whenever he can. He also likes to visit the senior center about once a month.
If it weren't for all the dogs paddling in the pool, Tuesday could have been mistaken for any other day at the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center. Instead of the shouts of children, yips and barks filled the air. And towels, of course, were not the preferred way of drying off.
It was a day for the dogs at the pool, 727 Ky., where hundreds of dog owners brought their pets to the sixth annual Pooch Plunge.
Dogs of all sizes chased tennis balls and each other, as they splashed in the water during the pool's final event of the season.
Their unbridled enthusiasm drew even nonowners.
"We love dogs," said Lawrence resident Jennifer Day, who brought her daughter, Emma. "We don't have one; we just love to watch the dogs.
"It's such an unusual opportunity for them."
Jai Hoyer, aquatic programmer for the Outdoor Aquatic Center, said she expected the event to raise about $1,500, which helps offset maintenance costs for the pool.
"It's just an experience you can't get anywhere else, where you see so many dogs together," she said. About 400 dog owners attended last year's Pooch Plunge.
Lawrence resident Joan Meyer brought her Australian shepherd, Jester, and sheltie, Dustin. It was Jester's first opportunity to swim at the pool. He learned to swim at local ponds this summer.
"I just think it's a great thing for the dogs to come out and release some of their energy," she said, as Dustin zipped up and down the edge of the pool, barking at other dogs as they swam.
Lifeguard Vinny Gonzalez, 17, McLouth, said he and other lifeguards were on hand to make sure dog owners didn't indulge the urge to swim with their dogs. The lifeguard corps wasn't prepared to rescue dogs, he said.
"I haven't quite had that course," Gonzalez said. And he wasn't looking forward to diving in the water, now tainted with doggy drool and floating fur.
"I really don't want to get in the water because it's pretty filthy by now," he said.
Dog paddle is the stroke that signals pool's close
It's truly the 'Dog Day' of Summer as hundreds of people gave their dogs the chance to cool off on Tuesday at the Outdoor Aquatics Center.
More like this
- Roof work planned at indoor aquatic center; pooch plunge planned 13 comments / September 2, 2009
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- Pooch Plunge to allow dogs into public pool September 1, 2005
- Dogs dive in at outdoor pool's 4th annual Pooch Plunge 6 comments / September 6, 2006
- Dog paddling encouraged during 'Pooch Plunge' at aquatic center September 8, 2004
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3 September 2008
at 6:42 a.m.
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Rickyonealku (Anonymous) says…
Nice looking Whippet.
3 September 2008
at 6:42 a.m.
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Informed (Anonymous) says…
Actually, I think it's kinda cool. But I do wonder how the chlorine effects the dogs' skin.Sounds like a great way to raise some money for pool maintenance.
3 September 2008
at 8:10 a.m.
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Bassetlover (Anonymous) says…
The coolest thing ever to observe! Wish there was a dog pool open all summer long!
3 September 2008
at 9:58 a.m.
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Take_a_letter_Maria (Anonymous) says…
A great way to raise funds, but instead of using it for pool maintenance why not use it for the humane society? or at least split it.
3 September 2008
at 10:24 a.m.
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Confrontation (Anonymous) says…
The Humane Society takes enough money from Lawrence citizens.
3 September 2008
at 11:19 a.m.
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Confrontation (Anonymous) says…
That's why you have fleas, glock ;)
3 September 2008
at 2:16 p.m.
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kmat (Anonymous) says…
Confrontation - you don't like animals and it's obvious because every time there is any article or post that mentions the shelter, you spew your hatred of the shelter.So why don't you give everyone a break and stop reading any articles about animals and stop posting your hatred about them?The shelter only takes money from those of us that give to them. You claim to be a right wing republican, so you should be all for private citizens funding charity and citizens rights to spend our money any way we see fit. So why do you then insult good citizens that do as you republicans wish? It must be because as a republican, you feel the need to control every thing that anyone does. Arrrghhh!As always, please help the shelter.
4 September 2008
at 6:55 a.m.
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gr (Anonymous) says…
“Confrontation - you don't like animals “Sorry, but I fail to see how you conclude that. Disliking the shelter does not necessarily indicate a dislike of animals.
4 September 2008
at 12:57 p.m.
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designerscott (Anonymous) says…
That's my Golden,P.S. her name is Nutmeg!