Doggy Paddle

When walking by the Bryan Park Pool on Thursday night, lots of splashing could be heard.

When taking a closer look, though, the splashing was not from the usual children and families, but from their dogs.

Bryan Park’s fifth annual Drool in the Pool kicked off Thursday with sights and sounds of playful dogs.

Becky Barrick, community events manager for Bloomington Parks and Recreation, said it was designed to be a big swimming party for dogs.

Barrick said five years ago it was her idea to start Drool in the Pool in Bloomington, but similar events have been going on all over the country. She said she found people love to be active with their dogs and this gives them that opportunity.

An event like this is also great, Barrick said, because it is not often that residents can let their dogs swim.

“It’s really great, and it looks like everyone’s having a blast,” Bloomington resident Julie Swando said.

Swando said it was the first time her and her husband have attended the event. They brought their two dogs because she said it was a great way for their dogs to socialize and be able to swim.

Local residents were not the only ones attending Drool in the Pool.

Marry Poppas said she came from Indianapolis. She came the previous year with a friend but did not bring her dog. After seeing it last year, she said she wanted to bring her dog, Mongo, this year.

The two-day event led with a free swim Thursday. Dogs are allowed to swim as much as they want and play with the toys provided, Barrick said.

Friday night will be set up differently.

From 5 to 8 p.m., instead of a free swim, there will be a range of contests and giveaways. The contests include pet tricks, most musical and best costume, to name a few, she said. All winners will be rewarded with a prize of dog food provided by the White River CO-OP.

Barrick said every year the event is a great success, but White River CO-OP is a
major contributor.

“We could not do it without them,” Barrick said.

Rosie Landis, representative for White River, said they do a lot of business in the pet community, so it is a good way to be involved. Landis said she personally is involved because she loves seeing all the dogs having fun.

Drool in the Pool will end Friday night with a few lucky dogs going home as winners.

As owners loaded up their dogs and headed home, everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves, Barrick said.

“I think everyone responded really positively,” she said.