Guest blog: Take your dog to an Ottawa wading pool

Here’s the first in a series of guest blogs over the next couple of weeks.

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This one’s by Karla Briones , an Ottawa-area

entrepreneur

who is owned by her Giant Schnauzer, Pepe. And we were on a team together in 3rd year tv journalism at Carleton U.

Who said dogs can’t have fun at City of Ottawa pools? Every year, select outdoor pools and wading areas open up to furry ones and allow them to romp and run before closing them for the season. Dog days of summer gets a whole new meaning!

1. Westboro wading pool - Sun., Aug. 22 (that's today!) from 5:00 - 6:00 pm. 411 Dovercourt Avenue, (613) 798-8950

Bring your pooch for a dip just before this pool drains for its annual maintenance shutdown. Dogs must be on a leash and should have a long walk prior to the swim. Owners, prepare to get wet! There will be on-site family and pooch entertainment, including mini grooming sessions and other kid-friendly activities.

2. Reid Park wading pool - every day until Fri., Aug. 27 from 5:30 - 6:00 pm. 40 Reid Avenue, (613) 580-2590

This little wading pool allows dogs to take a dip every day during the summer half an hour before the pool is emptied for the day. All dogs must be well behaved and on a leash! Last day before it’s shut down for the season is the last Friday of August.

3. Bearbrook pool - Sun., Sep. 5, time TBD (call for details). 2679 Innes Road, (613) 613-824-8300

Dogs are allowed off leash at this pool party and it gets wild! It is doggy paradise as you see them going down the pool slide and even jumping off the diving board. Owners are drenched by the end and are not allowed with their dogs inside the pool for sanitary reasons.

Happy swimming!

** Related: ** Ottawa Pets & Animals Guide