ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Pets and owners were both doing their fair share of doggie-paddling at Mack Pool on Saturday, as the city parks and recreation department hosted its 18th Annual Doggie Dip Days.
- Dog and their owners got a chance to take a dip at a pool in Allentown this weekend
- The event continues tomorrow, Sunday, Aug. 20
- The cost is $4 for residents and $8 for non-residents
Elijah Albert-Stein, pool supervisor, said about 30 dogs were swarming the pool earlier in the day, but they started trailing off around 3 p.m. Albert-Stein said the event brought out close to 60 dogs in all, with another showing to come Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.
Diesel, labrador mix
Alessandri Figueroa, the owner of 3-year-old Diesel, a labrador mix, said his dog is quite the character, adding he loves the water and is “all about the snuggles.”
“Whenever we go for walks or runs or anything, he likes to throw himself on the floor and just starts rolling around."
Alessandri Figueroa, owner of Diesel
“Whenever we go for walks or runs or anything, he likes to throw himself on the floor and just starts rolling around,” Figueroa said.
Milo, labrador-springer spaniel mix; and Kiwi, terrier mix
Mandy Tolino, Allentown's director of parks and recreation, was on site with her two dogs: a 1-year-old labrador-springer spaniel mix named Milo, and a 5-year-old terrier mix named Kiwi.
Tolino said she and her family enjoy taking their dogs to local creeks to cool off. She added the dogs keep them busy.
“[Milo] definitely likes belly rubs, snuggling — and he’s crazy. He likes chasing the ball. [Kiwi’s] the boss of the house.”
Mandy Tolino, owner of Milo and Kiwi
“[Milo] definitely likes belly rubs, snuggling — and he’s crazy,” she said. “He likes chasing the ball.
“[Kiwi’s] the boss of the house.”
Tansy, labrador-pit bull-chow chow mix
Trish Berte, of South Whitehall Township, said Tansy, her 7-year-old labrador-pit bull-chow chow mix, seemed to want to do anything but swim at the pool Saturday. Tansy was busy making her rounds saying “hello” to other doggies.
Grizzly Bear, labrador-English mastiff
April Siegfried, of the Allentown area, is the owner of a 7-year-old labrador-English mastiff mix named Grizzly Bear. She added that her dog and Tansy are great friends.
She said Grizzly Bear can be curious when exploring, as he becomes “obsessed” with seashells at the beach and rocks in creeks.
Nina, dachshund-yorkie mix
Stephanie Heller and Trent Bevers own Nina, an 8-year-old dachshund-yorkie mix.
Heller said Nina makes her presence known at home, as she’s “very, very active,” running around the house like a “Ninja Warrior."
Nina's also privy to festivals and camping, having tagged along with her owners to Pine Ridge Fall Festival in the Poconos and down to Kempton for Jibberjazz’s Some Kind of Jam, Heller said.
“When her hair is completely dry and fluffy, she looks like mini Chewbacca."
Trent Bevers, one of Nina's owners
During the interview, Nina was taking a break after a good soak in the pool.
“When her hair is completely dry and fluffy, she looks like mini Chewbacca,” Bevers said, laughing.
Another event tomorrow, Aug. 20
Folks and their dogs will be back at it Sunday. Event staff are also accepting donations for Friends of the Allentown Parks or a dry pet food donation for the Lehigh Valley Humane Society.
Pet owners looking to swim have to keep in mind a few guidelines before attending:
- Proof of vaccination (rabies and distemper) required
- Current 2023 pet license
- Dogs must be non-aggressive, and owners will be asked to leave with their pets if there’s any fighting
- One handler per dog is allowed in the pool