Dogs from Merksem but also from Mortsel and Wilrijk came down to be the very last bathers to enjoy the Park In Merksem swimming pool. That swimming pool will be closed for six months for renovation. The enthusiastic dogs were clearly fans of water fun.
The bath was completely reserved for dogs. And that’s what owners in Merksem and far beyond were apparently waiting for. In a day and a half, the places for dogs and their owners were fully booked. Between 9:45 a.m. and 8:45 p.m., 132 four-legged friends passed by.
Since Tuesday, no product has been added to the water and on Thursday morning a check was made to ensure that there was no longer any chlorine in it.
Most of the dogs stood a bit uncertainly at the edge of the pool. You could tell from their rocking motion that they had to convince themselves to take the leap. But once in the pool, they couldn’t get out.
Dutch Shepherd Kai is really a water rat. — © Margot De Clercq
The Dutch shepherd Kai did not even return his captured balls. “Typical”, according to the owner. “He doesn’t listen really well yet, he is only seven months old. But he was immediately enthusiastic about dog swimming. I only did one swimming lesson with him. Swimming is also really good for dogs: for their condition, their muscles, their joints. It is also often recommended for convalescing dogs and it works wonders.”
Relax
Jip, a long-haired dachshund, happily tripped along the edge of the pool but did not immediately take the plunge. Prefer a bit of paddling. “He’s just a year old. In the park he does move towards the water, so I thought it would be fun to try this,” says his owner.
While the other dogs were able to burn off all their energy in the half hour they were allowed to play, Jip lay down comfortably and was spoiled with petting. Maybe more of an enjoying beachgoer.
Dachshund Jip enjoyed relaxing in the warm indoor pool more. — © Margot De Clercq
Tags: major renovation dogs allowed splash Merksem swimming pool Good muscles joints Merksem
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