Bryan Park Pool opens for dog swim

Although school is back in session and fall is fast approaching, the dog days of summer are far from over. \nWhile Bryan Park Pool is closed to humans for the season, it will re-open this Sunday for Drool in the Pool, a veritable field day for Bloomington's canine connoisseurs. This event, which will run from 1 to 4 p.m., will give dogs a chance to swim in the pool and to participate in a wide variety of activities before the pool is drained for the season. The day will feature games of "musical paws" and competitions in a wide range of contests. \n"We're trying to reach out to pet owners," said Sarah Nix, community events specialist for the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation. The idea for Drool in the Pool came in response to the fact that many other cities held similar events catering to pet owners, while Bloomington did nothing of the sort. Last year's initial run of the program was well received, attracting between 200 and 300 dogs and their owners. \nAlthough human guests will not be allowed to swim, pet owners will be able to take part in the festivities. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit booths of vendors such as PMI Nutrition, which will offer information regarding dog-related products and services.\nTo judge the canine competitions, organizers have recruited Mayor Mark Kruzan, 4-H Extension Agent Jeff Holland and local radio personality Sheila Stevens. Trophies will be awarded to winners of the cutest and ugliest dogs, owner-dog look-alike and best-dressed dog contests.\nDespite Bloomington's sizable population of dog owners, few pet-oriented events have taken place locally in the past. Lori Wilkerson, a lifetime resident of Bloomington, co-owner of Doggie Styles and one of the presenters of Drool in the Pool, sees this as a prime opportunity to bring together the pet-owning community. \n"(Bloomington doesn't) really have anything like a dog park yet, so this sort of thing gets people together." \nRepresentatives of the Monroe County Humane Association will also be in attendance, offering microchiping for $25 per dog. In this process, a small device is inserted between a dog's shoulder blades. In case the pet runs away or gets lost, workers at local shelters can scan the microchip and access the owner's contact information. \nIn addition, representatives from the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter will be at the event and will have adoptable dogs on site. At last year's event, the shelter adopted out three dogs and found a foster home for another. \nAdmission to Drool in the Pool is $5 dog. Only one dog is allowed per person, and owners must be able to provide proof of their dogs' current vaccinations.