West Hartford dogs are invited to dive into the Beachland Park pool on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. [Updated]

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford’s outdoor pools close for the season on Aug. 18, but the town’s now-longstanding tradition of keeping one pool open so “some” residents can enjoy the water for one more day will continue in 2024.

The annual Pooch Plunge, originally planned for Monday, Aug. 19, has been postponed for a day due to the forecast of thunderstorms, and will now be held on Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 4 to 6:45 p.m., at Beachland Park, 847 South Quaker Lane, West Hartford.

Swimming on Tuesday is for canines only, and based on the history of this popular event, more than 100 dogs are expected to attend.

The annual end-of-summer Pooch Plunge is once again a fundraiser in support of the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition’s plans to establish a permanent dog park. Since November 2022, West Hartford has had a dog park at the former St. Brigid School property at 100 Mayflower Street, and while that remains open it will have to close once of the new Elmwood Community and Cultural Center begins.

“The dog days of summer are literally here,” said David Coleman, co-president of the WHDPC. “We always get a fantastic turnout at the pooch plunge, and we appreciate the support of the town and our corporate sponsors. The plunge, our largest fundraiser of the year, is intended to gather momentum for a permanent dog park in town. We look forward to this dog day afternoon!”

The cost to attend the Pooch Plunge is $15 for the first dog, and $5 for each additional dog. Registration can be done online in advance and walk-ins are also welcome at the gate with payment via Venmo or cash. A waiver must be completed, either in advance or at the event.

Organizers note that there will also be a raffle with some “paw-some” prizes to be awarded. Sponsors for this years event include the Town of West Hartford, West Hartford Dog Park Coalition, Zoomin Groomin Mobile Pet Spa, and Camp Bow Wow Bloomfield, CT.

“Making dogs happy is our motto at Camp Bow Wow, and what better way to do that than letting them romp in the pool on a hot summer day,” said Lexie Smith, marketing director of Camp Bow Wow. “We are thrilled to support this joyous event and the dog park coalition’s mission of establishing a permanent dog park.”

The event will feature just one session this year, from 4 to 6:45 p.m., and dogs and their owners can come and go. Children may attend but humans are not permitted in the pool. Children and dogs must be supervised, organizers said.

Tennis balls will be provided, but attendees are asked not to bring any personal dog toys.

All dogs must be properly licensed and have 2024 tags.

Attendees are asked to please scoop their dogs’ poop.

“We are honored to support the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition at its biggest event of the year,” said Chris Morton, owner of Zoomin Groomin in West Hartford. “As a business owner who serves dog owners and their beloved pets every day, we know how much fun the pooch plunge will be. And I know our customers will be delighted when a permanent dog park is finally created.”

Anyone who is unable attend but would like to support the dog park can still donate through this link.

More information can be found on the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition Facebook page.

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