Norfolk rec department to open pool to dogs for a day

Posted to: News Norfolk Pets
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By Lia Russell
The Virginian-Pilot
© September 14, 2009

Norfolk's Department of Recreation, Parks and Open Space will host "Dogs Gone Swimming," at the Norfolk Wellness and Fitness Center, 7300 Newport Ave., on Saturday.

Dogs can swim in one of three 45-minute sessions, at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Owners need not be Norfolk residents. A handler of at least 16 must be with each canine. Dogs must be at least 9 months old, wear a collar, not be aggressive and have proof of current rabies vaccination.

Optional "swimsuit competitions" will be held 30 minutes prior to each session.

Pre-registration is $10 for one dog; $15 for two dogs. On -site event day registration is $15 for one dog; $20 for two dogs. Participants will receive goody bags.

Owners will not be allowed in the pool, but lifeguards will be on duty. "We'll also have personnel standing by with skimmers," said Dan Jones, Norfolk's division head of aquatics.

Proceeds benefit Friends of Norfolk Animal Care Center, which supports the city shelter. For information, call (757) 441-5505 or visit www.friendsofnacc.com/doggone.php.

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SUPPORT HOMELESS ANIMALS

Submitted by doglady on Mon, 09/14/2009 at 1:35 pm.

THIS IS A GREAT IDEA FOR A FUNDRAISER FOR HOMELESS ANIMALS!!! Thank you City of Norfolk for letting this take place. The pool will be drained after this event. Therefore, no harm done. As the article indicates, all proceeds will go to "FRIENDS OF NORFOLK ANIMAL CARE CENTER". All of the money received will go directly to the animals. Norfolk Animal Care Center is the "City Shelter". The animals there need all the help they can get to find FOREVER HOMES. Publicity like this is wonderful and a good time will be had by all. Even if your dog doesn't swim, please go there to support a wonderful cause:"Helping the homeless animals". GREAT JOB CITY OF NORFOLK AND FRIENDS OF NORFOLK ANIMAL CARE CENTER !!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Santa, Stop the uninformed Bad-Mouthing

Submitted by Elbow on Mon, 09/14/2009 at 12:56 pm.

Santa, I think you need to change your handle! The name 'Santa' doesn't bring to mind someone who would attack our managers with such vengence. It brings to mind someone that should be loving and considerate. Your attack on our managers, be it City or Parks and Recreation, is uncalled for. I am sure that the director for the facility knows that dogs are not like some of our children (or adults) and will use a pool for a cesspool. My dogs go swimming in the Elizabeth and my home pool, and when they have to releive themselves, come out of the water and do their business on dry land. Then we, as responsible dog owners, clean up after them. Hopefully, next time I see you in Mall, greeting children during the Yuletide, you can report that you have changed your ways!

Hear, Hear

Submitted by dawgbones on Mon, 09/14/2009 at 12:16 pm.

I agree the health department should get involved at once. There's no telling what kind of germs and diseases those poor dogs could pick up from that pool!

Great one Dawgbones!

Submitted by winsliad on Mon, 09/14/2009 at 4:28 pm.

And I was just going to say that I'm sure the dogs are cleaner than humans!

Swim-Time For Dogs

Submitted by Prairiedog on Mon, 09/14/2009 at 7:54 am.

STUPID.... and just normal for Norfolk city council!

The Health Department should put a stop to this foolishness.

Submitted by santa on Mon, 09/14/2009 at 5:45 am.

This has got to be the most ridiculous idea that any local government has ever come up with for a parks and recreation activity. Allowing animals in a public pool. Are the dogs going to be instructed not to urinate and defecate in the pool as well? The Health Department should put an immediate stop to this foolishness. Regina Williams and Fraim should close this activity down. How is this worse than Jello Wrestling?

Seriously?

Submitted by laxpck on Mon, 09/14/2009 at 4:08 pm.

I hope you were trying for sarcasm with your post. If not you might be about the dumbest person I have ever read a comment from.

The outdoor pool closes this day. No people will be in the pool again til next year. Probably will undergo its routine maintenance. Just maybe?

I guess you just want to sound smart by pulling in the Jello wrestling comment and it served to show you know Zero of the facts. Just like you know Zero of the facts in the closed bars issue. Government is stupid! Blah blah blah!

But thank you for waisting all of our time by taking the time to write.