Wet dogs are happy dogs. Pools in Johnson County end their season with canine swims

Lifeguard Morgan Chiarello warmly thanked each of the swimmers for coming as they exited the Ad Astra pool area.

Between greetings, she reflected: “This has been the best day ever.”

From the dampness and delight on their faces, Eddie, Chief, Seeley, Biscuit and Hazel agreed.

Those five four-legged swimmers enjoyed aquatic abandonment at the City of Lenexa’s annual Paws in the Pool at Ad Astra Pool.

These traditional end-of-season dips for dogs only are offered at several area public pools after they close for humans.

This was the second Paws in the Pool for Hazel, a 2-year-old cockapoo from Shawnee.

Letting your pet enjoy the pool is something that can’t be missed, said Cindy Van Pelt, who came with her family. Van Pelt said Hazel’s love of the water — especially diving — has been evident since she was a puppy on vacation in the Lake of the Ozark. She just naturally jumped off the boat and the docks, Van Pelt said.

“We stumbled across this event and we though, ‘Oh my gosh’,” Van Pelt said of the pool party.

The Lenexa pool is open to all kinds of four-legged swim enthusiasts, said Jenny Doty, recreation supervisor for the City of Lenexa Parks and Recreation Department.

The event was divided into three 45-minute swims: one exclusively for large dogs, one for small dogs and a final swim session for all sizes to enable entire families to enjoy the pool together.

Doty said about 135 dogs were registered for the event.

Among them was Seeley, a 2-year-old Corgi from Lenexa.

“This is a nice thing that Lenexa does,” said Luanne Hess, who brought Seeley.

Actually, Seeley is a loyal user of public recreation offerings in Lenexa, having enjoyed many miles along the city’s trail system.

Like most swimming experiences, there were rules to follow at the pool beyond good behavior. For example, no humans are allowed in the pool with the dogs. Also, do not bring favorite toys unless your dog is going to fetch it. Pool employees don’t go in the water to retrieve, Doty said.

Here are some of the other pool parties for dogs scheduled. Check with individual cities and their websites for addresses, registration details, including admission costs, individual swim times for various dog weights, vaccination and licensing requirements.

▪ City of Shawnee: 7:15 a.m. Aug. 13

▪ City of Leawood: 5 p.m. Sept 6.

▪ City Mission: 5:30 p.m. Sept. 6

▪ City of Prairie Village: 5 p.m. Sept 6