The 14th annual dog swim, a collaboration of the Franklin Town Pool and Pendleton Animal Welfare Services, was held Aug. 17. The event drew a dozen dogs and their owners and children, as well as onlookers who enjoyed seeing the antics and splashes marking the end of the summer days at the pool.
The water was lowered to ankle level at the shallow end, allowing the smaller dogs the fun of getting wet without the nervousness of having to swim, while the deep end provided plenty of excitement for the bolder swimmers.
Beth and Chris Kirk’s dogs, Cooper and Kallie, were born swimmers, retrievers who would rather be in the water than out. Derek Lambert and Andrew Vargo brought a mixed duo. Their big black lab Orion fetched his frisbee dozens of times, while medium brindle mix Twila showed off her dance moves mostly in the shallows. Stephanie Latif brought perky black terrier Winston to see what he would think about a swim. Super-social, Winston spent most of his visit collecting pats from his admirers, but gave the water several solid tries, shaking the excess off to make sure no one went home dry.
Louie the Corgi was pretty much a “no” on swimming, but a big “yes” on cooling off in the medium depth with his person, Shelby Thomas. The dog pair with the greatest contrast came to cool off with both Gordon Ditches, Senior and Junior. Tiny chihuahua Popcorn floated royally on a rainbow floaty, while massive housemate Kratos, a handsome black and white mastiff-pit, became the official greeter, whether swimming or ashore. Becky and Harper Dempsey accompanied Bailey, a regal chestnut long-haired dachshund, where he preferred to work on his tan poolside rather than ruin his coiffure in the waves.
Two wooly doodles very much enjoyed the splashdown with the Whitsons, Rick, Linda, and Heather. True to the name, Puddles, the large goldendoodle, pranced right in, while little poodle Willow needed some coaxing before discovering the fun part.
Keely Smith, pool manager, said that it is always hard to bring the pool season to a close, but enjoyed providing such a fun finale for the children and pets. Her son, Beau, was the day’s mascot, crowing at all the action. She explained they will keep up with end-of-season pool repairs and improvements once the pool was completely emptied, and her mother, Frisky Lambert, did a good job of filling participants up with the pool’s fine chili hot dogs and other concessions. Smith encourages folks who would like to be part of the sun scene next summer to apply for needed lifeguard positions and receive the training. For more information, contact the town office.
PAWS is grateful for the many local partners such as the town pool who support their activities and programs. The flea market and Treasure Mountain booth is a steady fundraiser. Warner’s Drive-in, Faithful Friends Animal Clinic, Bowers Garage, Cunningham Nurseries, Pendleton Community Bank, the county commission, Main Street Methodist Church, the Korner Shop, and T&K Markets are among those who step up to help the pets. The volunteers, donors, and fosterers always have PAWS’ gratitude for helping the people and pets of Pendleton year ‘round, and many more of each are needed.
To volunteer, adopt, foster, or donate, go to PAWS’ Facebook page or Messenger at Pendleton Animal Welfare WV (make sure it’s not the one in Oregon), and a volunteer will get back to one. Consider attending the annual meeting this fall, when PAWS will share some big news, look at this year’s achievements, and plan for the next year.
Submitted by Jane Seegar
