In the Eure, a Christmas swim with your dog

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Eighty doggies are expected at the pool Neubourg (Eure), Saturday December 21, 2024. This is the second edition of the “Pattes à plouf” event, where dogs and their owners share a swimbefore draining the pool.

Sonia Roussel, in charge of activities at the Haut-Phare swimming pool, is impatient to try, with her dog Usko, the activity she imagined. It was she, last year, who proposed this idea to the swimming pool management. “ I had always dreamed of taking my golden retriever to the swimming pool. I told myself that there would surely be other dog lovers like me,” says Sonia.

A first edition taken by storm

Last year, the first edition experienced a great success. “In one day, around sixty places were reserved,” remembers Sonia. From the big Newfoundland to the little Jack Russell, the dogs had around fifteen minutes to complete an “agility” course, between the small pool and the outside of the pool, always accompanied by their master. “It was magical to see the happiness and complicity of the owners with their dogs,” enthuses Thierry Perron, the canine coach present to accompany and ensure the smooth running of the event.

It was magical to see the happiness and complicity of the owners with their dogs.

Faced with last year's success, the swimming pool decided to dedicate a whole day to the event, and no longer half a day, and to accept 80 dogs instead of 62. To be able to participate, you must respect several rules :

– First, the dog must not be categorized, because it is prohibited in public places.

– Then, Thierry Perron emphasizes the importance of the “honesty” of the masters, during registration. “It is absolutely necessary that the dog likes to go in the water and let it be sociable. Masters often have lots of dreams, but we must respect the animal welfare and may it be a good time for the dog too. »

– It is also important that the dog is healthywith his vaccinations up to date, and that he has not no skin problems or wounds. “A veterinarian from the Clinique du Roumois is present and checks the health of the dogs,” explains Sonia. No worries about the pool water,” chlorine is stopped the day before, and evaporates. It is safe for the dog. »

– The animal must have between 1 and 8 years oldunless certified by the veterinarian. “It’s a closed swimming pool, a new environment which can be stressful for the dog: it resonates, there are lights in the water. We do not force the animal to enter the water, when he is relaxed, it happens naturally,” explains Emmanuelle Mauger, veterinary assistant at the Clinique du Roumois, who will be present during the event.

Parcours  » nagility «

Last year, all the dogs, even the most timid, went swimming. Another difference for this new edition: the “agility” course is replaced by a “nagility”everything will be done in the waterto avoid bringing dirt from outside into the pool. Only the small pool, with a depth of 90 to 110 centimeters maximum, is used. Slalom, hoops, jump… Dogs and their owners have around thirty minutes to enjoy the course and swim together. “This is sufficient time for the dog, because it is an intense effort for him! » comments the canine coach. The dogs will be in groups of five, and it will continue all day.

Animal Defense

New this year: the presence of the ASAD association (Association for the Protection of Animals in Distress) of Louviers. They will be at the entrance to the pool to inform about their actions and collect donations for animals. “We are taking advantage of the event to highlight animal welfare” supports Thierry Perron.

As soon as it closes, it's time for draining the pool. “It’s the big annual cleaning. Don't worry about cleanliness, there won't be a hair when the pool reopens! » promises Sonia Roussel.

Pattes à Plouf, Saturday, December 21, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Pre-registrations on Tuesday, November 26 at 9 a.m., on site at the Haut-Phare swimming pool, Rue Jean de la Fontaine BP82 , 27110 Le Neubourg or by telephone at 02 32 35 90 62. Once pre-registration has been validated, final registration in person at the swimming pool on November 29 and 30. Prices: €10 for SERGEP members, €15.50 for non-members. This year, a companion is accepted in addition to the owner and the dog. All the information at the swimming pool.

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