Canine Pool Party

Saturday was the perfect day for a swim, and that's exactly what some of our puppy raisers did with their dogs! We went to Sun Hill Kennels, where they have an outdoor pool just for dogs, as well as half an acre of fenced-in land for the dogs to run.

Sun Hill Kennels donated two hours of pool time to SSD so our dogs could enjoy the pool. And they certainly loved it! They wore themselves out jumping into the water after tennis balls and other toys, and when they needed a break from swimming, they chased each other around the yard. It was a great afternoon!

Sun Hill Kennels is open to the public, but they ask that you call ahead to make an appointment first. The pool is a popular spot in the summer, and they take care to make sure that it doesn't get overcrowded.

Winter Exercise

When the weather turns bitter cold, dogs tend to get less exercise. They and their handlers take shorter walks, and the dogs spend less time running around outdoors.

This cold weather might be terrible for taking walks, but it's perfect for swimming. Yes, swimming. Some of our puppy raisers take their service dogs-in-training to the Canine Spa for a few hours of playtime in the water. Located in Dillsburg, the Canine Spa is an indoor pool, where the dogs can swim and interact with other dogs. It has tennis balls and other floating toys, so the dogs have a great time romping in the water, retrieving tennis balls.

The Canine Spa generously lets SSD dogs swim for free. (It costs $15 for all other dogs to swim.) There's even a bathing area where the dogs can rinse off or take a bath after their swim.

SSD Cabo loves to retrieve tennis balls from the water.

SSD Taz watches SSD Scotia swim back with her favorite ball.

Our dogs always have a great time swimming. It's a fun way to work off some of that winter energy, plus they have the opportunity to socialize with other dogs.

For more information about the Canine Spa, visit www.dogswimming.com.