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Hot doggin’

C.A.R. Pool turns dogs into pup-sicles

Times Observer photo by Lorri Drumm Dogs of all shapes and sizes got the chance to play in the water at the Warren City Car Pool on Sunday. Doggy Dip, a chance for dogs to enjoy the pool, was held prior to the seasonal closing of the pool.

You might think it would be far-fetched to expect a municipal pool to set aside the rules of etiquette and allow jumping, splashing, dunking and sticks in the water. But on Sunday there was a “paws” of the rules as furry swimmers did all that and maybe even occasionally emptied their bladders and nobody barked out any orders.

Doggy Dip was held at the Warren City Car Pool on Sunday. The event gives swimmers of the canine variety the chance to enjoy the pool prior to closing it for the season. If plunging, splashing and frolicking are any indication– the event was a big hit.

Prior to the arrival of numerous dogs of all shapes and sizes, True, a 7-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, owned by Becky Hampson, had the pool to himself. True is friends with the lifeguard.

True sometimes willingly jumped right in to fetch her blue ball but sometimes she wimpered a bit as she paced along the edge, maybe in hopes the ball would fetch itself. On a couple of occasions True took a running leap and landed in the water doing her best version of a canine cannonball.

Once True had the ball, getting back out of the pool wasn’t as simple as jumping in. Luckily, her lifeguard friend was there to assist.

Times Observer photo by Lorri Drumm True, a 7-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, swam out into the pool, got her ball and brought it back at the Warren City Car Pool on Sunday. Doggy Dip, a chance for dogs to enjoy the pool, was held prior to the seasonal closing of the pool.

Unlike True, many of the dogs at Sunday’s event weren’t accustomed to swimming pools. Some of them weren’t quite sure what to do at first.

Susie and Craig Ostrum, of Bradford, brought Sasha and Emma to the pool for their first experience at Doggy Dip. Sasha is a 7-year-old labrador/spaniel mix. Emma, a labrador/pit bull mix, is 11. Both were a bit reluctant at first but quickly got in on the fun.

“They go in the reservoir all the time,” Susie said. “Maybe it’s because the water is so blue and clean. They’re not familiar with that.”

Unlike True’s knack for ball fetching, many of the newcomers like Sasha and Emma preferred to go after sticks. Susie asked permission before she went outside the fence to gather a few sticks. With permission granted, even the most reluctant dogs couldn’t resist a thrown stick.

Kelsey Angove, pet parent of Luna, 2, and Bella, 5, also said her dogs were reluctant at first. “They’re not crazy about the water,” she said. Luna and Bella are both labrador retrievers. What retriever can resist a stick?

Times Observer photo by Lorri Drumm True, a 7-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, took a running jump into the Warren City Car Pool on Sunday. Doggy Dip, a chance for dogs to enjoy the pool, was held prior to the seasonal closing of the pool.

If Luna and Bella weren’t certain how to navigate the “ruff” seas, all they had to do was watch Dragon, a 1-year-old retriever.

Dragon plunged through the water in the kiddie pool, splashing everyone — human and canine. Dragon’s pet parents were kept busy following him in and out of the pool. Dragon loved more than just the water. “He loves everybody.”

If your furry friends missed out on Sunday’s event there is still one more chance to get in on the fun. The Brokenstraw Swimming Pool will hold their Doggie Dip on Thursday, Aug. 22 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The pool is located on Thatchers Lane in Youngsville.

The cost is $5 per dog. Owners must provide proof of rabies vaccination and sign a waiver before dogs can enter the pool. Owners are asked to only bring dogs who get along with others, as many are expected to attend. People are not permitted to swim with the dogs as there are not chemicals in the pool.

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