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Sports

Dogs Day Out

Dog owners said their dogs love to play in the pool and looks forward to it.

With Summer winding down, dogs in Montgomery County made their mark at yesterday's pooch pool party in Silver Spring with the final splash.  Under gray, drizzling skies, dogs like Shadow and Angel, along with their owners, dived into the pool on Dalewood Drive, chasing balls and swimming laps.

For Max, a six-year-old, chocolate Labrador from Silver Spring, this was a chance to test the waters for the first time." He's never been in the water before," said Rita, his owner, who heard about the event for the first time.  "He's so excited! There are so many people here and he doesn't know where to go." This was a second annual event for Michael and Michelle Forman and their dog Sammie. 

"A co-worker first told us about it," said Michelle Forman. "Our dog loves to swim, but usually in natural water settings, but this [event] is perfect. These pool parties are the most fun she has."

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The annual event is held the Sunday after Labor Day. The pool is drained of all chlorine and is replaced by fresh water. Afterwards, it is completely drained for the year. This is the fifth year that the Montgomery County Recreation Department has hosted this event.  In its first year, the party drew 100 dogs.  "Now, we usually have around 300 dogs," said Mary Eno, a Montgomery County Recreation employee and party organizer.

Eno said the idea for the party began when a group of Recreation workers saw a similar event in a recreation magazine in another area.  "We thought 'what a good idea!' " Since then it has steadily grown in numbers and support. There is even a first-aid station and veterinarian on-site as well as vendors, and a new $5 fee.

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Owners like Kathryn Kvarda of Gaithersburg, willing fork over the cash for a chance to see her dogs at play. Angel, a Boston Terrier, and Shadow, a mostly-Shih Tzu rescued from the Humane Society, enjoyed their day near the kiddie doggie pool, especially designed for dogs 20 pounds and smaller. Donning orange life vests and veteran attitudes, they mostly strolled around the shallow pool, greeting everyone.

"They just love being around people," said Kvarda, who has been bringing her dogs for three years. "They also get to be off-leash.  I try to give them as many experiences as possible." With so many dogs in one place, it can be hard to keep things under complete control, even with the help of volunteers. However, Eno dismisses any worries.  "We really have not had any problems . . . no aggressive dogs."

A short time later, a participant comes to Eno inquiring about a clean-up tool for an accident.  Eno reaches for a plastic bag.  "No, it's disintegrated." The city of Rockville hosts its own version of the a pooch pool party as well.

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