Running encouraged: Dogs take over Mayfair pool in Saskatoon for summer tradition

Saskatoon's Mayfair Outdoor Pool has gone to the dogs for one day only.

On Tuesday, the City of Saskatoon hosted its annual Dog Day of Summer swim meet. As the summer days dwindle, the city lets dogs take a dip in the pool before shutting it down for the season.

By noon, dozens of dogs were beating the heat with a dip in the pool. Earlier in the day, time was set aside for different dogs: the tiniest ones got an hour, and so did service dogs and therapy dogs.

Desiree Parisien brought Gracie, a black Labrador cross who was her service dog for nearly 15 years. Gracie lost her hearing and is now retired.

"I really love that they have a session just for service dogs specifically because they tend to be a little bit more gentle and a little bit more laid back," Parisien said. "She can't make it to the river to go swim anymore, it's too far for her and so it's a perfect location and easy for her to access."

WATCH | Doggy paddling: Public pool opens to pups as season ends:

Doggy paddling: Public pool opens to pups as season ends

3 months ago

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Once a year, this pool goes to the dogs. Saskatoon public pools are about to close, so on Tuesday the city let people bring their pets to cool off.

Paxton and Nellie were at the pool by noon with Clover, their four-year-old Lab retriever cross. The siblings planned to swim with the family pet, but for health and safety reasons only dogs are allowed in the pool.

The kids didn't mind staying on the edge of the pool, watching Clover swim and playing with the dozens of other dogs running around. Clover likes water, but it takes some coaxing before she dives in.

"She likes swimming, but you kinda gotta get her in there," Paxton said. "And then once she's in, she likes it. When my dad goes in with her, she goes in. Or if you throw a toy out for her then she'll always go in."

Nellie quickly added, "Or you can just push her in."

Heather Longstaff brought Chelsea, a golden retriever trained as a psychiatric service dog. These types of service dogs are becoming more common, Longstaff said during the morning swim.

"She's trained for PTSD, anxiety and depression. She's trained to lean in when you're nervous, get you out of dangerous situations," Longstaff said. "If you have an anxiety or a panic attack, she's just always beside you and she's taught to do is put pressure on you and that relieves stress."

This is the third year Longstaff brought Chelsea to the Mayfair pool.

"She has a lot of dog friends that she has play time in the park with and they're all coming at 12. So it's really good to introduce Chelsea to dogs, to be more social and have fun," she said.