The Barrhead Regional Aquatics Centre is going to the dogs, literally.
On Monday, Sept. 3, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., the centre will host its first ever dog swim as a fundraiser for Barrhead Animal Rescue Society (BARS).
Aquatics co-ordinator Adrianna Pollard said staff decided to take advantage of the facility’s annual maintenance shutdown and give man’s best friend an opportunity to take a dip.
“There are a lot of pools in the city that host these doggie swims and we thought it might be fun to do one here,” she said.
The fee is $10 per dog and owners must register their pooch at the aquatics centre, or town office by Aug. 31. Only dogs with up-to-date vaccination records are allowed and spots are limited to 30.
Each dog must have its own handler who must be at least 16 years old.
Just like human swimmers, pooches will have to have a quick rinse before entering the pool, Pollard said, adding owners will be limited to the pool deck.
“That way we can lower the chlorine rating and shut off the pool circulation,” she said. “By doing that, there will be less irritation for the pets in the water and it will help protect the pool’s filtration system.”
Pollard added pet owners are encouraged to bring pet life jackets or their own water toys in an effort to make their dogs feel more at ease.
BARS canine co-ordinator Jolene LaRocque said they are very excited to be the beneficiary of the town’s first pooch swim.
“It’s a fun and great activity for all members of the family including our furry family members. All of us at Barrhead Animal Rescue Society is very appreciative of the donation they are offering,” she said. “We are always in need of donations.”
BARS, a non-profit organization which was formally incorporated in 2010, is dedicated to ensuring that all animals in the Barrhead area are treated in a humane manner.
The organization actually formed before 2010 when founder and current BARS president, Terry Colborne, noticed there were many stray animals in the Barrhead area that needed a home, so he started taking them in and bringing them to his family farm.
