PHOTOS/ELLIE FRANCO
Featherston Dogs had their very own VIP pool party over the weekend, with around 50 enjoying dogs ‘n’ togs in the Featherston pool.
Featherston Dog Park Group volunteer Jack Sheppard said it was the third year for the event.
“Each year, the week after the season closes, all of the bleach evaporates and thins out, and then we bring the dogs up for summer for one last high and we call it Dogs ‘n’ Togs,” he said.
One participant was a particularly good boy who followed health and safety guidelines and donned an orange life jacket.
“I really have a feeling it’s Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy,” Sheppard said.
“There are long, short, fat, skinny, furry dogs – I just love to see all the diversity and all the happy dogs here.”
Featherston Dog Park Group Fitness and Canine Committee chair Heather Murphy said Dogs ‘n’ Togs is a great way to bring dogs and their human friends together.
“Dogs are allowed to run free, laugh and jump in the pool if they want,” she said.
“They are just having so much fun, they are all very friendly and are having a happy, fun day.
“It’s not often that you get dogs and pools unless you have one at home, which is a rarity.”
South Wairarapa County Council Animal Services participated along with local dog trainers, with sponsors contributing with gift bags and prizes.
The hottest, happiest, bravest and highest jumping dogs were awarded.
Sponsors included Doggytreats, All Ears Dog Training, Eezapet, Dogs101NZ, Images Dog Training, Newflands and Beloved Pet Furniture.
The event raised approximately $275 through Koha.
Murphy said the funds would go to tunnels, ramps, toadstool jumps and beams for the dog park to enrich the environment for the dogs.
“We ask [them] just so the owner can train the dogs at the same time the dogs are listening to their owners and it’s just a great way to gently train your dog at a dog park and get him to listen to you.