Dozens of dogs take to pool during Alameda Waterpark’s final day
BUTLER TWP — Even with summer nearing its close, Alameda Park had time to fit one more dog day in before closing the pool for the season.
Poolside Pups, a dog takeover of Alameda Waterpark, was held from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30 — the final day of operation this year. The event saw dozens of dogs of all breeds and sizes run through the grass and swim after toys to their hearts’ content.
One German shepherd named Remi was especially keen on her flying disc, which she jumped and caught midair before bringing it back to her owner, Michelle Kriess. No matter how many times Kriess threw the Frisbee, Remi was ready to chase it down and bring it right back to her feet.
“We’ve been doing this since 9:30 a.m.,” she said around 1 p.m. Sunday. “We go through about a Frisbee a week.”
She, along with Remi and her two other dogs, Buddy and Bear, attend the event each year its offered.
“(Remi) likes to socialize with the other dogs, so this is a great place for them to do it,” Kriess said.
Kriess brought a new rubber chicken toy for Bear, but he was not interested. Instead, another dog, Sadie, ended up playing with it. Kriess told Sadie’s owners, Cathy and Jim Streit, that she can keep it.
“She’s so energetic,” Cathy Streit said while Sadie wrestled for the toy.
“This is our third year coming to this. She just loves the water,” Jim Streit added.
No matter how many times the Streits threw the chicken, whether on land or into the pool, Sadie was ready to chase it down and bring it back. She also enjoyed playing tug-of-war with her owners over it.
Poolside Pups is expected to return to the waterpark at the close of the 2027 season. Dogs must be current on vaccinations and owners must have their pets licensed to participate.
