William Raveis Broder Group is sponsoring the 10th Annual Annual Pooch Plunge, a fundraiser for the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition.

West Hartford Dog Park Coalition’s Annual Pooch Plunge at Kennedy Memorial Park, August 21, 2017. Photo credit: Amy B. Melvin (we-ha.com file photo)

By Ronni Newton 

The term “the dog days of summer” has its roots in astrology, a nod to the period of time when Sirius the dog star rises with the sun, and although the “official” dog days end on Aug. 11, many West Hartford dogs would probably choose Aug. 20, 2018 as the best dog day of the year.

On Monday, Aug. 20, the day after West Hartford’s outdoor pools close for the season, Beachland Park’s pool will remain open, for two sessions of dog-only swims.

The larger pool – as well as a larger “zero depth” are where the dogs can slowly wade into the water or splash around in the shallow end – is a major plus in being able to have the event at Beachland this year, Suzi Craig of the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition (WHDPC) said.

“Given the growth of the event, the town agreed that it was time for a bigger pool area. We are fortunate to have the continued support of the William Raveis Broder Group team and the town. Now, if the weather cooperates, we’ll be all set,” Craig said.

The goal of the WHDPC, and the reason for its fundraiser, has been to bring a dog park to West Hartford, and the organization has been working to find a suitable location for a permanent, fenced-in area for dogs to socialize since 2008. Potential locations have all been dismissed for a variety of reasons.

The search for a site, however, has not ended. “One location has been identified and the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition is working with the town to vet the potential viability of the property,” Craig said this week.

The organization continues to work closely with Mayor Shari Cantor, the Department of Leisure Services, and other town leaders on establishing a permanent dog park. Craig said that the WHDPC is very fortunate to have the town’s support, and all remain hopeful and determined to “make it happen.”

“I am very appreciative of the dog park coalition and our town’s Leisure Services Department for offering the 10th annual Pooch Plunge,” Cantor said. “This is an event that has been enjoyed by so many and brings the community of dog owners together.”

As is the custom, there will be two sessions: 4-5:20 p.m. and 5:30-7 p.m., at a cost of $5 per dog, per session. Payment can be made in cash at the gate, or in advance here through PayPal. Dog owners or guardians will need to sign a liability waiver before entering the pool area, and must show evidence of the dog being licensed in West Hartford or another town.

William Raveis Broder Group, a West Hartford-based real estate team serving the Greater Hartford region, is pleased to return as sponsor for the 10th annual Pooch Plunge.

“We are thrilled to, once again, support the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition and their biggest event of the year. The Pooch Plunge is an incredibly fun time. We encourage everyone with a dog to come on out and support the coalition and their mission to establish a dog park here in West Hartford,” Scott Broder of William Raveis Broder Group said in a release announcing the event.

For more information about the WHDPC and to learn more about volunteering or supporting the group, visit their website or email them at [email protected]. On the organization’s Facebook page, more than 1,100 members of WHDPC community share information, events, local resources, and favorite photos of their four-legged friends and neighbors.

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