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The Onalaska Aquatic Center opens Saturday to host the second annual Diggity Dog Dip, the area’s only public open swim for canines.
“You’d be surprised how well the dogs are behaved,” said Pat Kucera, event organizer and owner of Diggity Dog Daycare. “They’re all so into having fun.”
The event serves as a fundraiser for the Coulee Region Humane Society and Onalaska Park and Recreation Department for ongoing maintenance of a new dog exercise area near the pool.
About 200 dogs attended last summer and $1,400 was collected, Kucera said. He wouldn’t be surprised if 300 dogs show Saturday and the event raises $3,000.
“It’s going to be wet,” Kucera said. Some dogs swim, some play chase and others “just try to figure out what’s going on,” he said.
No people will be allowed in the pool with the dogs. The pool closed for the season Sunday, and chlorine will have evaporated by Saturday.
The pool has a zero-depth entry for those too timid to jump in. Plastic pools will be available for smaller dogs and puppies.
The area is fenced in, so escape risks are eliminated.
Kucera emphasized all swimmers must have current vaccination records for bordetella, rabies and distemper for admittance.
Advance registration at Diggity Dog Daycare, 2926 Airport Road, is recommended, but owners can register at the event. Food and refreshments will be available for owners and canine ice cream and fresh water for pets also will be on hand.
One dog owner told Kucera during last year’s event that it was the best day of her dog’s life, he said.
“That’s what it’s all about,” Kucera said.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Diggity Dog Dip, a canine pool party
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Onalaska Aquatic Center, across from the OmniCenter, 255 Riders Club Road, Onalaska, Wis.
COST: $10 for one dog and $5 for each additional dog from the same family. All proceeds will benefit the Coulee Region Humane Society and Onalaska Park and Recreation Department
ALSO: Monetary and item donations for the humane society also will be accepted.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call (608) 779-9997 or log onto www.diggitydogdaycare.com.
POOL PARTY RULES
Anne Jungen can be reached at (608) 791-8224 or ajungen@lacrossetribune.com.
