Stella and Sky, dad Shane Martinez, and Dayne and Prissie take a dip together
Doggie pool parties are not just for Hollywood any more. Georgetown has a regular member of the fashionable list of cities hosting canine residents for a community event celebrating a real dog day of summer.
City pools closed for the season and the event was initially postponed due to stormy weather but on September 22 dog owners brought their best friends to the Georgetown Community Center for one last day of splash pool fun.
Parks and Recreation Director Kimberly Garrett says “The Mayor gave us the thumbs up to move forward with it last year after seeing the success of the parties on Facebook,” Garrett says.
Herb Martin looks on while Sugar Bear takes a try on the slide.
“We have several active dog parks in Georgetown so we know this is going to be a big party and a lot of fun. Many communities do this after the municipal (human) swim season is over to give dogs a chance for some social time with a splash. We chose the rec center pool because it has a sloped entrance that enables the dogs to walk in and out.” Garrett also assures that there is no need for concern about the animals’ use of the facility. All of the Georgetown swim facilities begin a scheduled deep clean and servicing after Labor Day in any case.
Dogs paid admission and owners were invited free to watch the water play from the sidelines.
Despite a cool and cloudy start to the morning, more than 100 dogs brought their families to the pool.
Fortunately, the pool water was still warm enough for the VIPs’ humans to join in, even after the rains of the week prior.
With support from animal control and several vendors who provide pet products and services, the event was a huge hit and by all accounts was “the happiest place on Earth this side of Disneyworld.”
Organizers hope the success will continue and even more dogs will bring their people again next year. See a highlight video on YouTube at “fpgtxmedia”.
