Chesterfield, MO Aquatic Center goes to the dogs!

Chesterfield, MO Aquatic Center goes to the dogs! 

Tonite, the Chesterfield, MO Aquatic Center Park was turned over to the dogs.  The annual dog swim was held tonite at the Aquatic Park.  Limited to Chesterfield citizens and their canine friends, the dog swim ran from 4:30 PM until 7 PM.  We arrived around 5:15 PM and the party was in full swing.  Despite the fact that this event has been held for several years, this was our first time. 

Our dogs were very excited about the prospect of a dog party.  Staff and volunteers running the event were a well oiled machine.  Several people were registering the dogs and their owners.  Evidence of vaccination records was needed as well as registration showing proof of residency.  After a brief registration, we proceeded to the check-in desk where we paid our fee and headed in.  Having not attended before, we really weren't sure what to expect.  I packed a bag with swimsuit, towel, some shorts and dog towels.  A canine free for all greeted us. It felt like a dog park on steroids.  Dogs were zooming around chasing each other, barking happily.  During the hour and a half we were there, there were probably at least 100 dogs in attendance.  There was a cool breeze and the temperature was around 75 degrees.  I decided that a swimsuit was going to be too cool, but the shorts were definitely in order.  To really play with the dogs, I needed to be in the water with them.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Reesi, our Doberman took off chasing other dogs, then headed for the water.  She had never been swimming before.  She took a flying leap and landed in the lazy river that was way over her head.  She came up with the most astonished look on her face.  After trying to get out of the pool on her own several times, I was able to lead her over to the shallow end where she could get herself out.  I have to say that watching her leap into the water fearlessly had me laughing hysterically.  She was so surprised! I wish I had video of that!!

Taylor, our Labrador Retriever was not as anxious to get in the water.  She is 13 years old and has had a knee rebuilt.  She is very careful of her activities due to the past knee surgery so she was a bit nervous about being around SO many dogs at once.  And, hard as it is to believe, she has never been swimming before.  I thought for sure she would be a natural.  After some hesitation, I led her into the water.  She seemed happier when I had her on a leash in the water and she spent several minutes there. 

Local organizations provided volunteers who helped keep the area cleaned up.  Local vendors also gave out free dog treat samples which the dogs thought was awesome.  They were tired and very happy when we left.  We will definitely make this a must attend event next year.  Events such as this make me so proud of how far our city has come since incorporating in 1988.  Our parks and recreation areas are second to none. 

Many, many thanks to the city of Chesterfield for allowing residents and their canine companions the opportunity to have such a fun afternoon.   Chesterfield.... you ROCK!