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Hernando Today

Soggie Doggie Day Gets Four Paws Up

By DAVE CASEY

Yessenia Velez of Spring Hill and her dog, Bella, take third place in a water race Saturday during the third annual Soggie Doggie Day event at the Alfred McKethan/Pine Island Park.

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By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: September 7, 2008

PINE ISLAND - Pluto was panting and his fur was dripping wet.

It took two people to restrain him while he barked and lunged toward the Gulf.

When the yellow Labrador saw the other dogs splashing in the water during the Fastest Swimmer contest, he wanted back in.

"He loves Soggie Doggie Day (because) he gets to play," said his owner, Linda Goebel. "There aren't too many places where he can get in the water."

Hundreds of dogs and their owners on Saturday converged on Pine Island for the third annual Soggie Doggie Day. The event was organized by the Hernando County Recreation Department.

The county is working on its own dog park - Rotary Centennial Park - which is expected to be finished later this year.

"It's the best idea they ever came up with," said Goebel's father, Pete, who was holding Pluto. "We've got all these parks and the dogs aren't allowed anywhere."

In the meantime, most residents travel as far as Pinellas County to find a public place to take their pets.

Pine Island is open to dogs on the first Saturday of every month during the winter, but only for a few hours.

Dog owners typically want to see their pets play well with others. That is why having a park is important, said Christa Harbig, who brought her husband and five dogs.

Dogs learn to behave around other dogs when they are accustomed to being around them.

"I really wish there were more places for our dogs to play," Harbig said.

She and her husband drive 90 minutes to Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin at least a few times per year.

Saturday's event lasted for three hours. It included a Best (Doggie) Swimsuit Contest, Owner/Pet Look-A-Like Beach Wear Contest and Fastest Swimmer Contest at 20 Yards.

The sponsors included Hernando Today, Chick-fil-A, Bow Wow Boutique and Pet Grooming, Animal Medical Clinic and the Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central.

Following the last race, park representatives reminded attendees the dogs would need to be out of the water and off the premises by 10 a.m. sharp. The park needed to prepare for the hundreds of people visiting later that day for the dog-free fun - which includes sunning, swimming and the occasional volleyball game.

Those who were there Saturday were happy just to get a few hours at the park with their dogs.

"It speaks good of the county they would do this," said Hernando County firefighter Robbie Fowle, who brought his 1-year-old Dalmatian, named Rescue.

Rescue had just tied for third place in the last race of the day. He was still energized afterward as he galloped along the shore.

"We definitely need a park," Fowle said as he stared down at Rescue. "This one needs about five dog parks."

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5823 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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