Dog Days of Summer this weekend in Templeton

Posted: Sep 4, 2012 5:47 PM by Jeanette Trompeter
Updated: Oct 16, 2012 11:34 AM

No Place Like Home: The Dog Days of Summer

As summer gives way to Fall, there are rituals that mark the change of seasons. Like city pools closing for the season. In templeton, that ritual happens with a wonderful celebration, and joyous proof There's No Place Like Home.

Before crews clean and close the pool in Templeton, it's a four-legged-free for all weekend. It's called Dog Splash Days and it's a fundraiser for the Vineyard Dog Park. For three days, hundreds of happy canines get free rein to the wet relief a dip in the pool provides in a hot summer day.

It's called Dog Splash Days and it's a fundraiser for the Vineyard Dog Park. Over three days, hundreds of happy canines get free rein to the wet relief a dip in the pool provides in a hot summer day. "It's really Dog Disneyland. Dogs get to come and jump and play with their friends." says Paula Ofarrell, President of Parks for Pups. "It's a rare day for a dog to get to swim in a community pool, especially a big pool."

And it's a rare opportunity for all of us to observe the lessons to be learned from our four-legged friends. Similar to children, their enthusiasm is not harnessed with worries about body image or bathing suit insecurities. "Of course we have a huge supply of rubber ducks and yellow bananas." says Ofarrell. "And all kinds of fun toys, so it's really dog delight."

The changing of seasons should come with celebrations like this. Because there's something about these transitions....they mark our lives. We'll remember where we were this time next year, who we palled around with, what brought us the most delight, and what we were scared of. "It took him three years to get really comfortable with jumping in the pool" says Ginny Becchine, talking about her dog.

By this time next year, it may all be much different. But rituals like this provide a sense of continuity, comic relief and a celebration of the summertime fun that, like or not, is winding down. "It's just pure joy." explains Ofarrell. "Sometimes our lives aren't full of this, but when you see just pure joy, happiness, bliss, just so happy, it just creates these lasting memories." And more proof there's no place like home.

If you get your swim passes by tomorrow, the 5th, you can take advantage of early bird rates of $15 to bring your dog for a swim Dog Splash Days. It's $15 per dog until September 5 and then $20 through event day. You can reserve a spot for your dog www.parks4pups.org or register on the day of the event. Check the website for schedule and updates or call 239.4437.