Dogs take plunge at Alameda
BUTLER TWP — Pooches paddled their paws off Sunday at Alameda Park.
More than 100 dogs and their respective humans strutted into the water park for the Dog Paddle Pool Party, hosted by the Butler County Parks and Recreation Department.
Lance Welliver, director of the department, helped sign up those registering at the door.
“We have the dog park already,” he said. “This adds to what we can offer to the community.”
A chocolate Lab named Brownie jumped in after a tennis ball while his owner Katie Ellis of Butler watched.
“He likes to go in the boat, and he likes the water,” she said. “He'll swim non-stop.”
Thursday afternoon was 81 degrees and sunny during the time of the swim, which showed as many dogs stuck close to the water.
Shilo, a golden retriever, watched as his owner Mary Fryman of Butler, tossed a ball for him into the water, but he seemed apprehensive to leap from the ledge. He got over it, and chased after the ball quickly.Fryman said it was just a quirk because he hopped in the pool with no problems on the other side. She said Shilo loves to swim, and he loves to socialize, sometimes getting even too comfortable.“He was taking other dogs toys,” she said.Fryman said she made sure the toys got back to the right dog of course. She said it's all in good fun, and it's nice for the owners to get together and socialize themselves.“We love it,” Fryman said. “We've been coming for years.”A pair of border collies, Syd and Monte, took a break with their owners in the grassy areas alongside the pool while their owners Cyle Covert and Shayla Schaffner of Butler.Covert said it was nice to see the dogs play with others.“It's fantastic,” he said. “It's really cool.”Schaffner said it was a pleasant day and experience.“I wish it could happen more often,” she said.The event did have a fee at the door of $10, which was split evenly between the Butler County Parks Department and the Butler County Humane Society.Welliver said for their share, the funds go back into the parks, as well as paying for the event's expenses, like the lifeguards and dog treats.Michelle Edinger, director of development for the Butler County Humane Society, accepted donations inside the park too, all of which benefit the dogs and other animals at the shelter.Edinger said some of the animals, she recognizes from their time at the humane society.“It's awesome seeing these animals together and playing around,” she said. “It just warms my heart when people say they got their dog from the humane society.”
