There’s no doubt that dog rescue is tough. Ranch staff face long, sometimes round-the-clock, hours and frequent emergencies. But it can be fun too, especially when it comes to finding creative ways to keep dogs happy and active. What better way to cool off humans and dogs than throw a puppy pool party? I jumped at Sanctuary Operations Manager Laura Finley’s invitation to photograph puppies playing in the new swimming pool.
Water spells enrichment fun for puppies and rescue staff
The Sanctuary schedule lends itself well to dog enrichment. It provides opportunities for staff to spend quality one-on-one time with their charges between morning and afternoon chores. And a cool splash in our long awaited doggie pool certainly qualifies as enrichment in our book.
Construction on the new water installation was actually completed last summer, but it only recently became operational.
There are many advantages to having a pool onsite. More than a refuge from the unrelenting heat, it has long-term benefits for our residents. Staff can now offer the dogs new, highly effective enrichment: aqua therapy for recovering patients, intense exercise for athletic canines like Courage and Raelynn, seen here, and puppy socialization.
Puppy pool party goes to the dogs
It was hot and clear when I arrived, and staff were ready for a mid-day break. I watched as the Sanctuary team rotated small groups of puppies in and out of the pool yard. The pool deck connects to a floating dock via a hinged ramp. The idea was for the dock to rest just under the water so dogs could climb out easily. But the dock was too buoyant and will need an adjustment to work as planned.
Laura and summer intern Jula Koenigsmann joined the swimmers in the pool. They lifted youngsters into the water, supported their bodies as they swam, and helped them climb out. Some pups jumped right in and paddled around expertly. Others were more nervous.
After the younger pups all had their turns, Karen Topping fetched two teenagers, Maverick and Garrett. It took a bit to coax them in, but once in the water they swam well.
By the end of the session, staff were smiling and puppies were ready for their afternoon naps. I’d say the first Rescue Ranch puppy pool party was a tail-waggin’ success!
