North Park welcomes pooches to pool

Both toes and tails took a dip into several Allegheny County pools on Sept. 2 for its annual Pooches in the Pool.

The Labor Day event closed out the swimming season at Boyce, North and Settlers Cabin parks. The South Park pool was not included in the event this year because of a new liner, said Brooke Bossong, recreation and program manager for Allegheny County Parks.

“This is a great event, as we let the dogs finally get to have some fun. Dogs swim, play, run and splash throughout the pools — and not only is it fun for them, but (it’s) also fun for their owners to watch,” Bossong said.

Each location was limited to 200 dogs, which Bossong said they usually get.

All dogs were required to have their vaccinations up to date. The cost to attend was $20, with a portion of the proceeds going to Paws Across Pittsburgh Animal Rescue.

John Schneider of Morningside was at the North Park pool with his dog, Finn, wife Lindsay and son Aiden.

“It’s controlled chaos. The dogs run around and have a good time,” he said.

Eileen Lozano of Pittsburgh said it was her first time being there. She found out her small dog, Tommy, dressed in a shark vest, “does not like water.”

“We’re just trying it out,” she said.

There was someone monitoring the gate to let the dogs and owners in and out, as a crowd of curious onlookers enjoyed the scene from the fences.

Bossong said most of the dogs got along great.

“They will play together and chase each other around the pools. There are so many sights and smells that many of them are too occupied with those to acknowledge the other dogs,” Bossong said.

The splash pad and baby pool were both open, with some pups trying out the new kiddie slide at North Park. And lifeguards were at the ready as many owners joined their pups in the pool.

“I look forward to it at the end of the season,” said lifeguard Camryn Hummel, 16.

The Our Lady of the Sacred Heart student said the event is so fun that it motivates her to return to lifeguarding, which she acknowledged can be long and tiring at times.

“It makes me want to come back next year,” Hummel said.

Emily Magoc of the North Side was there with her partner, Arjun Yarlagadda, and their labradoodle, Maya.

“She’s just having such a blast,” Magoc said. ”She’s learning to swim, so this is a great place to do it.”