A sprinkling of rain may have wet some fur, but it didn’t dampen spirits at Doggie Splash Day, the best day of the year for water-loving pups.
“I’m not going to melt, and he won’t either,” said Jay Finegold, who wasn’t concerned about the weather when he took his Vizsla, Watson, to his third splash day on Sept. 6.
Watson always has a wonderful time at the event, Finegold said, enjoying both the company of other dogs and the attention he receives from their human companions.
This year’s pool party at the Holmes Aquatic Center featured bacon and bone-shaped refreshments. Lifeguards were on duty during the festivities, and families were able to pose for photos with their furry friends.
About 75 pooches pre-registered for the event. Participants had to be signed up by a human resident of Highland Park ISD and be up-to-date on their vaccinations before taking the plunge.
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Splash Day is a beloved tradition, and pups are a good choice for the summer’s final swimmers, said University Park’s recreation and aquatics coordinator Robert Coleman.
“Once we’ve had the dogs in, the filters are just overwhelmed with dog hair,” he explained. “It’s a good way to close out the season.”
Bear, a brave Golden Retriever, jumped off the aquatics center’s diving board during the event. Bear also enjoys swimming in the waves at the beach, owner Katina Thornton said.
“We live for this day every year,” she said. “I wish we had it more often. It’s just so fun.”
Labrador Retriever Ted was also a veteran splasher, having attended six or seven times. “He loves it,” owner Dan Dargene said. “He looks forward to it every year.”
First-time splasher Luke, who is mostly Golden Doodle, was a more reluctant swimmer. He had some help adjusting to the water from his human, 9-year-old Elby Spencer. Elby was one of many young dog owners who joined their pups in the pool.
“He likes it, Dad,” she said happily as Luke warmed up to the water. “He likes it!”
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