By Joseph Deinlein
The Daily Item
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LEWISBURG — An event scheduled at the Lewisburg Community Pool could give new meaning to the term “doggie paddle.”
Man’s best friends will be welcome at the facility from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 11 for the first “Doggie Dip.”
The idea came from Katie Davis, recreation coordinator for the Lewisburg Area Recreation Authority, which operates the pool.
A dog owner, Davis said there aren’t many public facilities for dogs in the area. Add to that videos she found on the website YouTube showing other pools across the country letting dogs in for a swim at the end of the season.
“When draining the pool for the year, rather than waste all that water, they have a party for dogs,” she said.
The pool, at North 15th and St. Mary streets, will close after Labor Day and is to be emptied the week after the Doggie Dip, she said.
The cost is $7 for each dog, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Sun PETS, an agency aimed at controlling the pet population.
Humans are free.
Owners 16 and older are allowed two dogs apiece, and each dog must have a current rabies vaccination and license. Animals must wear a collar at all times, and owners must have a leash on hand.
There will be a walk area where the dogs can take care of their business before jumping in the water, Davis said. Bags will be provided for owners to clean up after their pets.
“When they get there, they’re going to be all excited and need to get used to all the new smells,” she said. “Hopefully they’ll pee and poop before getting in the pool.”
The day is for the dogs, however. Owners will be allowed in only up to their thighs.
“It won’t be swimming with the dogs,” Davis said.
Depending on the success of the event, it could be done again and expanded in the future, she said.
If you go
What: Doggie Dip
When: 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 11
Where: Lewisburg Community Pool, North 15th and St. Mary streets, Lewisburg
Cost: $7 for each dog, free for humans
Details: Contact Katie Davis, recreation coordinator for the Lewisburg Area Recreation Authority, at 524-4774, ext. 2#, or e-mail reccoordinator@golara.org
