Dogs Make A Splash At Trousdell Aquatics

The Trousdell Aquatics Center hosted its ninth Annual Puppies in the pool event.

Dogs splashed around in the pool fetching tennis balls and swimming with other canines.

Melodie Joyce brings her dog every year and said it’s nice to see her dog interacting with other animals at 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.

Dog owners must register and provide health information before they can enter the pool. All dogs must be 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 every 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, set up by the Pet Ad Litem, is held outside the pool.

Michael Rosana said he likes to bring his dog to The Trousdell Aquatics 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 also said it gives his dog extra training to play with other dogs in the pool.