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E-mail This StoryDoggies make big splash at aquatic center
DAN EAKIN
Staff Writer
City staff decided to test the waters and see how a Doggie Dive-In would go over at the Sun Valley Aquatic Center.
It was a splash hit!
More than 300 spectators and 125 dogs of various shapes and sizes showed up for the event Saturday, and Hilary Pike, city aquatic supervisor, said “a good time was had by all.”
“Due to the great support of the community and local organizations, the city of Lewisville looks forward to making the Doggie Dive-In an annual event,” she said.
Several vendors from around the area participated by setting up booths displaying their canine creations and handing out free samples.
“In addition to taking a cool dip in the pool, many dogs also participated in contests, including best trick, best swimsuit, longest jump and fastest ball retrieval,” Pike said. “A favorite for many of the dogs was the weenie bob — cut up bits of hot dogs that were dropped into the water. The dogs would bob for a special treat.”
“Not all spectators were escorted by their favorite pooch,” Pike noted. “Some came to watch others have a good time.”
Ruthanne Brockway, a longtime Lewisville resident and owner of three dogs, brought Charley (named after Charley Pride) to enjoy the activities of the day. Charley, a 7-year-old English Shepherd, has been seen in recent years at schools and nursing homes in the Lewisville area as a K-9 Friends Visiting Therapy Dog.
“Lively and energetic pets dived right in while the shy types lounged in the shade on their human mommy’s laps,” Brockway said. “Like children, some participants were very well-behaved while others were quite spirited. The tiniest pets sometimes carried the most attitude — fearless and completely unaware of their small stature.”
Chihuahuas, Dachshunds and tiny terriers preferred the 6-inch-deep wading pool, while the 3-foot swim area was enjoyed by dogs of all sizes and breeds — everything from poodles and pugs to German Shepherds and Great Danes.
Golden retrievers, with red or blond manes and Labrador retrievers of black, chocolate, yellow or white were among the most competitive. They were among the strongest, could jump the farthest and fetch the fastest.
Midnight, a lab owned by Chris Scheig, won the longest jump contest by traveling 10 feet, more than twice the distance of any competitor. Coco came in second by jumping 4 feet, 10 inches, and Casey was in third place, jumping 1 foot, 5 inches.
Midnight hogged or dogged the competition again in the fastest ball retrieval contest, retrieving the ball from the water in 33.7 seconds. It took Coco, the second place winner, 44.4 seconds to retrieve the ball, and Casey, third place winner, 48.5 seconds.
Winners in the best swimsuit contest were Sydney, a Boston Terrier owned by Donna Barron, first place; Sophie, a Pekinese owned by Melinda Galler, second place; and Chloe, a pug owned by Danielle Hurst, third place.
Winners of best trick were Trouble, first place; Harley, second place; and Yoda, third place. Names of their owners were not available.
“I think the event was very well received,” said Wayne Puckett, city recreation manager. “It was a lot of fun. We will do even better next year.”
