Who let the dogs out? Pets make a splash at Mayfair pool

Sit, roll over, and swim! On Tuesday, dozens of dogs big and small made a splash at the Mayfair outdoor pool as part of its seasonal closing event.

The annual “Dog Day of Summer” city-hosted event lets owners bring their furry friends to swim for free at the pool to cool off.

For the first time, Joe Hitchings brought his six-month-old dog Calypso to the Mayfair outdoor pool. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

It was the first time Joe Hitchings brought his six-month-old dog Calypso to the pool. While he sees the visit as a great chance to meet with other dogs and enjoy the water, he also noted that his dog seemed a bit overwhelmed that day.

Mika’s owner says she is quite relaxed in the high energy at the Mayfair outdoor pool. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

Andrew Werbicki has been coming to the event for the last four years with his dog Mika.

“We let Mika have her once a year swim because river diving is disgusting,” he said with a laugh.

He says Mika is getting older and is quite relaxed in the high energy at the pool.

“She just likes to chase balls, check everybody out, (see) who’s here, and kinda wallow.”

Werbicki said it’s a nice opportunity for dogs to swim in a safe environment, as the river can be dangerous for dogs at times.

Pat Randall brings her Labradoodle Jada to the Dog Day of Summer event at the Mayfair outdoor pool. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

Pat Randall and her husband Art bring their Labradoodle Jada to the pool yearly.

“She was all fluffy before she got in the water,” she said with a smile, noting she was pleased to see the improvements Jada is making with her doggy paddle.

“She was fearless even as a pup.”

Dog swimming at Mayfair outdoor pool. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

Randall said she wishes the city would host more days for owners to bring their dogs for pool days such as these.

The Saskatoon SPCA was also at the pool with a BBQ fundraiser, with all proceeds going back into the organization.