When I think of doggie splash I think of what happens to you when you try giving your dog a bath. You end up getting splashed by the pup jumping out of the tub, or your “giant” leaping out and knocking you down, drenching you as he or she goes. Or, before you’re able to get the towel around them, they furiously shake their whole bodies and sling the excess water all over you.
But, thank goodness I found that’s not what it is. It’s where you take your best friend, your dog, to the local swimming pool and let ‘em swim! (Check the net to see if your city has one.) The one I went to over the weekend had a variety of contests: best dressed, best and farthest jump off the “diving board,” etc. The only negative thing this event has for teens is that it’s the end of swimming season, which symbolizes…the… end… of… summer.
Anyway, back to the splash. There were so many dogs, and so many different breeds, running around off their leashes, just having a good time; Big dogs, little dogs, and every breed. And…they all got along! It was the “no growl zone.” They were having such a crazy time! Everyone, that is, but Snoozle.
Snoozle is my 5 year old Chihuahua mix we got from the shelter. I soon found out she doesn’t like water, except when she sneaks and drinks it out of my glass. I tried to lead her in the pool with a leash, but she sat down and looked like a mule that didn’t want to go any further. So, I took the leash off, then picked her up and waded out into 2- foot water. I set her in to see if she could swim, and she took off for the shore and met up with a pug, who ran over to the grass with her. I walked over and she ignored me so I figured all was well.
She ran a little with the pug, then found a German Shepherd to hang out with, but didn’t stray too far. I soon noticed her right by my side as I “people watched.” All I saw were older type people and kids – no teens but me. They were in different kinds of swim suits and all body types. Nobody seemed to care what they looked like, they just focused on their dogs and having a good time.
It wasn’t long before Snoozle jumped up on me and let me know it was time to go. I was still looking at the variety of people and dogs, but she looked so pitiful I decided she was right. She seemed to tell me she was “traumatized” so I took her to PetsMart and let her pick out a toy.
So, the Doggie Splash was fun, at least for me, and Snoozle got to get out of the house and experience something new. I’ll work on getting her used to water and possibly swimming – we’ll see how that goes. But just wait till next year – we’ll be ready!
Until next time,
Rhaya
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