Pool goes to the dogs in Tiffin

TIFFIN – The annual DAWG DAYZ dog swim is set for Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Hedges-Boyer Park. The event is sponsored by Tiffin Parks and Recreation and raises money for Friends of the Tiffin Bark Park Inc., a nonprofit that helps maintain the city's off-leash dog park. Admission is $5 per dog. Friends of the Tiffin Bark Park President Kieth Hodkinson said the idea came from Parks and Recreation shortly after the park was built. "They lower the water in the pool after the regular swim season to make it safe for dogs, and it has turned into one of the group's bigger fundraisers," he said. The pool has already been drained to a lower level in preparation for the swim. "We have fuel and maintenance costs for our lawn contractor, upkeep on our security system, and now we're supplying our own waste bags," Hodkinson said. "The security system has even been hit by lightning a few times. Replacing the circuit board is a $700 fix when that happens." The event is off-leash, which Hodkinson noted often surprises people. "Keeping your dog on a leash can actually make them more aggressive and cause more barking," he said. "In 10 years, we've never had a major fight — just the occasional scuffle. Dogs are very civil beings compared to some humans." Owners are asked not to bring toys, since dogs can get possessive, and to avoid going in the water if they have any open cuts or sores. One of Hodkinson's favorite memories from the event came during the first year, when a beagle was still in the pool area after everyone had left. The dog had no owner in sight. "He must have heard the excitement from his home down the street and snuck in," Hodkinson said. "We called the police, and they helped us get him home." Depending on the weather, DAWG DAYZ has drawn as many as 100 dogs in one night, with many returning for both evenings.