We are coming up on one of my favorite events of the year – the Puppy Paddle in Chambersburg.
I am hoping with every cell in my body that it doesn’t rain this year. Don’t get me wrong, the pups still come out in the rain, but when it’s clear and beautiful, this event just can’t be beat.
The dogs don’t mind the rain, though, so really, no matter what the weather does, I am so excited for the Puppy Paddle.
The Puppy Paddle will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, September 6, at the Chambersburg Aquatic Center on Washabaugh Way. As you would expect, it’s the last time the pool will be opened and a great way to say goodbye to the summer and get ready for fall.
The cost is $5 per dog and we will always take donations for CVAS.
They drain the chlorine and let our four-legged friends take a dip. It is so much fun!
When the day is nice, I like to sit at the edge of the pool with my feet in the water and just watch the dogs.
This is the epitome of joy. The animals are just having an absolute blast and I think that’s part of why I love this event so much. If you sit and just watch, it’s almost as though you can physically absorb the joy.
I believe in the concept of vibrational frequency. Everything around us vibrates at a certain level. Even what we perceive as inanimate objects actually vibrate. Electrons in the molecules are moving, even if we can’t pick up on it.
Emotions also vibrate and that’s why it is so much fun to be around people or animals that are reveling in joy.
That’s what the Puppy Paddle is for me. I think the happiness of the dogs actually wears off on the people.
Oh, Mother Nature, please don’t let it rain.
When you arrive with your pup to the pool, proof of license and vaccinations will be required. Dogs have to be accompanied by an adult owner and the owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs.
All dogs must be leashed while on the pool deck.
Also, because the water does not have chlorine in it, people should not be getting into the water, but each year, I know people do. The Rec Department does not advise going in further than waist deep because of the obvious lack of sanitation, but people go in at their own risk.
I have seen Rec Department staff keeping people from putting their heads under the water, so be aware.
Some pups that come to the pool take to the water like fish – Labs absolutely love it.
Then there are those who don’t seem to have their sea legs and do not want anything to do with the water.
The whole event is just so much fun to watch!
There have been Labs that have come each year and chase a ball into the pool the entire time it’s open. They quite literally never stop running.
There are also dogs that seem to form friend packs and they spend the time running around the park. It’s as though you’re seeing relationships made in real time in canine form.
Seriously, this is one of my favorite events we do.
We also have contests for Quickest Retrieval, Longest Leap, Doggie Paddle Race and Doggie Swimsuit Styling and prizes will be awarded.
For more information on the Puppy Paddle, check out our website at cvas-pets.org.
The Chambersburg Recreation Department sponsors the Puppy Paddle, so if you want to have a fun Saturday morning, make sure you stop by on September 6. Trust me, you’ll be really glad you did.
Jennifer Vanderau is the public relations coordinator for the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter and can be reached at [email protected]. The shelter accepts both monetary and pet supply donations. For more information, readers may call the shelter at 717-263-5791 or visit the website www.cvas-pets.org. CVAS also operates a thrift store in Chambersburg. Help support the animals at the shelter by donating to or shopping at the store.
