Doggie Dip Day Was A Big Splash

Photo from Deborah Landau

When asked about the annual Doggie Dip Day at the Rockville Swim Center, Deborah Landau responded, “We just had a blast!”.

The first time the City ever offered the Doggie Dip, her family went.

It was just the perfect event for us. We loved the Rockville pool. We loved our dog. Our dog loved to swim.

Sheba by Deborah Landau

Although they weren’t able to attend the last couple of years because their dog was slowing down, they were quick to give it a try with their new dog named Sheba. She’s a two-year old mix they adopted from A Forever Home which takes dogs when they near the top of the list at shelters.

She’s just wonderful. We knew she really, really likes dogs but we didn’t know if she’d like to swim. She loved it!

Since the event started, it has become more and more crowded but the outdoor pool is so big everyone can spread out. Even with the space, the atmosphere becomes quite chaotic. The water is a “sea of tennis balls”. All the dogs play with them and everyone constantly throws the balls back into the pool. Some reckless leapers spend their time jumping in while others go in carefully. Of course a few dogs are bone-dry with no desire to go into the water at all. All of the people are dry too, because only dogs are allowed in the water.

Deborah explained that all the dogs seem to get along at the pool whereas sometimes at dog parks there can be conflict. She believes the pool is a whole new element which distracts them.

When I asked her who enjoys it more, owners or dogs? She laughed and decided on dogs.

We had a great time but we were ready to go home before the dog. She panted for a long time afterwards but her coat is all shiny and clean.

Photo by Deborah Landau

In the past participants could make a donation in a jar, but this year $5 was collected for each dog entering the pool. Cans of food were also being collected for the Manna Food Center.

Proof of rabies vaccination was necessary for dogs to enter. The Humane Society donated free rabies vaccines at the event, but dogs receiving them couldn’t attend Doggie Dip Day.

The event always includes displays from vendors which all have bowls of dog treats for the taking. Deborah bought a meaty bone from Potomac Kennels which she hopes will keep Sheba occupied the next time she visits her dog-friendly office.

When humans are done with the outdoor pool for the year, our canine friends definitely enjoy this annual chance to swim.

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