A photo was worth a thousand woofs on Saturday, as dogs got their turn to swim in the Tall Oaks Pool in Woodbridge. Families had brought their pups – and digital cameras – out to the annual Doggie Paddle event, which occurs on the first Saturday after the pool closes for the season.
"It's fun. It gives the homeowners an opportunity to bring the dogs out to socialize and get in the water," said Shirley Couteau, Lake Ridge Park Recreation Director and the event's coordinator.
Residents had to register their dogs for either two-hour session. A Prince William County dog license was necessary. The morning session was full, with 40 dogs. The afternoon session was almost full, said Couteau.
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The dogs and their owners had a sunny, warm September day in which to congregate around the pool and interact with one another. Tennis balls, Frisbees and other toys were in seemingly endless supply in and around the pool.
Though some dogs spent most of the time in the water – like Lucy, a 5-year-old bulldog – some preferred to bask in the sunlight and play with doggie pals by the pool's edge – like Jingle Bell, a 2-year-old white lab.
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"This is Jingle Bell's Disney World," said Svea Krajack. "She loves to swim in the Potomac and the baby pool at home."
She certainly found her way into the yellow and blue baby pools, and dipped her nose into its water. One step at a time, she made it down into the water of the large pool. After much coaxing from Krajack, her husband Mike and their children, Jingle Bell went fully in the pool and began to swim around. However, she did not stay there long. She got out and watched her comrades continue their swims.
Among a group of several labs paddling through the water, Lucy the bulldog carried her orange toy she had retrieved in her mouth back to her family, Reed Hood and her parents, Chalmers and Lucy Hood. No, the dog is not named after her "grandma."
"Reed had always wanted a bulldog named Lucy," said Hood.
Unlike labs -- who are intrinsic swimmers -- Lucy was not so keen on the idea. A while ago, she sank at first, and then Reed got her a life vest and proper training. Now it is as if she is natural swimmer.
"If we had a house on the water, she'd be in it all day long," said Mr. Hood.
Lucy swam and played with Wicket, Chalmers and Lucy's Llhasa Apso – a breed of dog from Tibet that that is known for guarding Buddhist monasteries.
Mr. Chalmers wishes there were a pool designated for dogs in the county, so they could swim all summer long.
The Hoods and Krajacks are all for the proposed dog park in Prince William County.
Couteau is certain the dog park would be a popular meet-up place for residents and their dogs "just from the excitement this event brings."
