On Sunday, the Trousdell Aquatics Center hosted the second day of its ninth annual Puppies in the Pool event.
From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., dogs over 40 pounds splashed around in the pool fetching tennis balls and swimming with their other canine friends.
Dogs under 40 pounds were allowed in the pool from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Melodie Joyce, a citizen who brings her dog every year, said it’s nice to see her dog interacting with other animals in her favorite place.
“It’s definitely good socialization, especially if you have a shy dog, to get them out here and interact with their own size and breeds,” said Joyce.
Before dogs can enter the pool, citizens had to register and bring current health information on each pet. All dogs had to have been spayed or neutered before entering the pool. The cost to enter was $4 per person and $4 per dog.
Cheri Howe, a representative from the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs, said about 300 dogs and owners register for the event per year.
“It’s a great opportunity for them to socialize the dogs,” Howe said . “A lot of dogs don’t have the opportunity to go into water on a large scale like this and play with other dogs unless they went to a lake or to the beach.”
After each swim session, a free dog wash was set up by the Pet Ad Litem outside the pool.
Michael Rosana said he likes to bring his dog the Trousdell center because there are not a lot of opportunities for dogs to swim in Tallahassee.
“Barring the two hours or so ride to the beach, this is a pretty good option for her which sadly only comes around once a year,” Rosana said.
He said it gives his dog extra training to play with other dogs in the pool.