Pups soak up the sun at Pooch Pool Party

by Adriana Gasiewski

Two-year-old therapy dog Gracie raced through the metal gate at the Broadview Heights Splash Park, getting drenched by water while running past sprinklers to join a pack of three golden retrievers and two Newfoundland pups.

“She loves the water, so I saw this opportunity, and I thought, ‘we’re going,'” said Gracie’s owner, Lauraine Dinunzio of North Royalton.

The Broadview Heights Parks and Recreation Department’s sixth annual Pooch Pool Party not only helped pups beat the heat during the dog days of summer Sept. 10 but also served as the perfect vehicle to help a good cause.

“Dogs should have a chance to have fun in the sun, too,” said aquatics manager Ursula Drinko.

Meg Giera of Strongsville brought her two Newfoundlands, Dublin and Millie, to give them an opportunity to do just that.

“They love water,” Giera said. “They’re swimmers and they’re water dogs. Newfoundlands are water rescue dogs, so this is their jam.”

The nearly 50 attendees were encouraged to bring dog food, cat food or kitty litter to the “pawty” as donations to either the Cleveland-based Lucky Paws Animal Rescue or the Olmsted Falls-based Muttley Crue Rescue CLE.

Lucky Paws rescues, neuters and helps find homes for cats, said Donna Kicher, a Lucky Paws foster mom.

Meanwhile, Muttley Crue Rescue cares for and rehomes abused and neglected dogs, with a focus on pit bull terriers.

“We brought some dog food and cat food. It’s a great cause,” Dinunzio said. “I just love that it’s a great way to help out.”

Come the end of the festivities, the donation table was overflowing with treats, food and litter.

The pool party also featured a costume contest, inviting pups to wear their dog-gone cutest outfits to win a bag of treats. This further provided some furry friends with the opportunity to relax after a long ruff day.