Pantagraph.com | Letters | Dogs should be able to get cool in the pool, too

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

to what about the cats? wrote on Sep 8, 2007 6:33 AM:

" That I would pay to see. LOL, and what about my pet fish? They could use a bigger tank to get some exercise in once in awhile, can we let them use it before the dogs make it all nasty with hair? You bring my gold fish out let them swim a few laps around the pool enjoy the bigger tank. Oh wait didn't they used to do that at fairview and have a fishing contest? Yeah I think they stopped it for the same reason the dogs can't swim there, becuase its disgusting. Take your dog over to white oak or over to miller park and let them swim all they want. "

News Flash wrote on Sep 6, 2007 2:17 PM:

" Dogs are not people. Hose your little bundle of joy off in the back yard or put IT in your bath tub. Or better yet, shave the thing in the summer months. Slather it with sunscreen and call it done. It is a pet, not a child. "

I say it all over again.... wrote on Sep 4, 2007 10:38 AM:

" WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH let's whine about our dogs precious poor little pups not being able to take a dippy dip in the swimmy poo while there are HUGE other issues going on. Priorities people. Feed your pets, take care of your pets, yes! BUT, care about others and about the world that is going caputs. "

BlogHog wrote on Aug 30, 2007 5:44 PM:

" It's not the town's decision. It is the ruling of IDPH "

Michael Vick wrote on Aug 30, 2007 4:49 PM:

" Hey, bring your dogs over to my pool. It's cool. "

Kathy wrote on Aug 30, 2007 3:38 PM:

" Put in your own pool if you want your dog to swim. Better make sure his nails are ripped out first since you have NO idea what kind of damage those nails can do to a pool. I won't mention the chemicals that probably aren't good for the little critter. I do have a pool and letting any dog swim there is out of the question. "

Ridiculous! wrote on Aug 30, 2007 3:36 PM:

" If one of the previous posters is correct, and the pool is drained, then refilled with non-chlorinated water, before the dogs use it, then I am REALLY opposed to this. What a waste of money and water! Should we be wasting hundreds of thousands of gallons of treated water so a few dog owners can have a day at the pool? "

To: Walt Tyler wrote on Aug 30, 2007 2:33 PM:

" not sure of the exact closing date, but usually the biggest factor is that many of the lifeguards are college students and they start leaving for school. That's why Normal typically keeps one pool open until Labor Day... their staff is dwindling and they don't have enough lifeguards to fully staff both pools. "

Question wrote on Aug 30, 2007 12:27 PM:

" What about our cats? "

Just A Guy wrote on Aug 30, 2007 12:13 PM:

" Wow, all this over a small group of people being told "No". So the town said no to bringing dogs to the pool for a day? Is that really going to ruin everyone's summer? If you really wanted to say something to someone who matters, why aren't people spending the time normally spent posting on here and complaining to the Town of Normal? But, all it really boils down to is a group of people that don't like being told "No". "

nuts wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:10 AM:

" I agree with some of the others. Hose your dog off at home or buy your own pool to let him swim in. How much does it cost to drain the pool, refill it and drain and clean it again? I don't want to pay for this. This is the most dog crazy town I have ever lived in. I would love to use some of the parks and trails without being afraid of people's unleashed muts. "

To: Do your pooch... wrote on Aug 30, 2007 9:24 AM:

" Do yourself a favor, and don't post unless you know the situation. The pool is drained first, then filled with WATER ONLY. There is no chlorine in the pool to harm the dogs. Then it is drained again, scrubbed, repainted, and closed for the season. Well, at least it was. Sorry to see this fun event cancelled. It was a lot of fun for animals and humans alike. "

I don't understand wrote on Aug 30, 2007 8:22 AM:

" Why some of think that a dog is going to pee in the pool. You people keep using that argument, but I've NEVER seen a dog pee without hiking a leg or squatting in the grass. I'll bet that 95% of the people complaining about these dogs swimming in public pools don't go there anyway. Since this event has been going on for 6 years or so, I'd be interested to know how many human illnesses can be traced to dogs swimming in this pool (or any pool for that matter). And the person that would swim in a lake after an animal, but not a pool is not very sharp. "

Do your Pooch a favor wrote on Aug 30, 2007 8:07 AM:

" And spray him/her down with a hose at home. Or take them to the beach. I cannot imagine that the chlorine in pool water is good for Fido's eyes, sensitive nose or fur. "

to: yo wrote on Aug 30, 2007 7:54 AM:

" It is very rare for dogs to swim and pee at the same time...I am not saying that it has never happened. Don't believe me? Place your dog in a pool and let them swim for a while...when they get out I bet that they will go find a spot to relieve themselves. Dogs have too small of brains to perform swimming and peeing at the same time. Plus doesn't chlorine kill a lot of germs and bugs that might be on the dogs? And don't the pool staff clean the pool once they are done, and then once more just before they open for the next year? So what is the big deal? "

Thanks Harv wrote on Aug 30, 2007 7:29 AM:

" At least Harv has the correct response. All of the problems going on in the world and our city. And you complain that dogs are not allowed in swimming pools. Life must be pretty good for you, Shirley. If you dog is that hot, let the dog come into your house! Or give your dog a drink. Or buy your own pool. But your dog is not entitled to swim in a public pool. Neither is your gold fish. "

i cant believe.. wrote on Aug 30, 2007 6:58 AM:

" some of the post i have read on this.why cant people have their dogs play in the pool for one lousy day?it was a great event.i personally dont get the whole health risk thing.the pool is always cleaned and sanitized before it is used again.also,i would say that the kids and some adults swimming in the pool pose a greater risk because we know they are using the pool as their own personal bathroom.ever really watched kids at the pool,there for 4 or 5 hours and never once getting out to use the restroom.yuck.and i dont think a dog would pee in the pool.they prefer lawns.duh! "

yo wrote on Aug 29, 2007 7:19 PM:

" just think dogs urinates in the pool and you get a mouth full of water, or was it !! "

zackiebadboy wrote on Aug 29, 2007 7:07 PM:

" ...sounds like a little therapy is needed for this anti-dog MAN. Don't know about the rest of you, but just as i don't expect every one to love my kids, I don't expect them to love my dog. "

BooHooHe-Man wrote on Aug 29, 2007 7:04 PM:

" It may surprise you to know that some restaurants allow dogs - ever been to South Beach Mr. He -man? Of course the French allow dogs too - but we know they're unclean don't we? And who would ever describe the French male as manly? Give dogs a break...next time they sniff your luggage for bombs remember to sterilize your bags...they may have only saved your life. Let's think, can't remember ever catching anything from a dog but boy have I caught lots from other humans...colds, chicken pox and I'd hate to write what else...On second thoughts..keep the humans out of the pool. heavens knows what may stick with you for life. "

To: 2TheMan wrote on Aug 29, 2007 3:47 PM:

" Surprise! Not everybody thinks your dog is cute. Some people actually don't care for the nose in crotch, drooling, garbage can tipping, "land mine" laying, shedding, noisy best friend you have. There is a reason dogs are not allowed in restaruants (except for 'service' dogs). Love your dog is that is what you want. But please, keep the dog on YOUR property not the public pool. "

2TheMan wrote on Aug 29, 2007 2:02 PM:

" Hey, Big Man, are you suggesting I'm not a man...you know men love dogs too...just because you're a dog disliker, don't paint us all with the same brush. Dogs save lives - police, fire, army, - are companions, workers - herders, hunters...some dogs work harder than a lot of lazy men...and all for a pat on the head. Yeah for dogs, down with the dog dissenters! "

What? wrote on Aug 29, 2007 1:40 PM:

" What in the world does the banning of the dogs at Fairview pool have with Heartland College? Yes, they may both be in Normal, but so what? Am I missing something, or do you need help? "

sjesseknows wrote on Aug 29, 2007 1:07 PM:

" Normal banned the use of the pool by dogs because of Heartland College's illegal financing of their expansion with increased real estate taxes. Think about it. Both the pool and HCC are in Normal. Do you think that's just a coincidence? "

NO SWIMMING ALLOWED wrote on Aug 29, 2007 12:50 PM:

" A Doctor told me one time that Hot Tubs were germ pits even with the killer additives and hot water. I would think that pools would be too. NOTHING can kill the germs for humans and dogs what about feeding a dog from a plate then hoping the soap will clean it NASTY!. "

Ban kids, too. wrote on Aug 29, 2007 12:14 PM:

" If you're gonna ban dogs, then feel free to ban kids as well. I love it when I go to Four Seasons and I can't swim because somebody's disgusting spawn dropped a deuce in the pool. I'd rather swim with dogs than kids. "

Zack Bass wrote on Aug 29, 2007 11:55 AM:

" First off let me state that I am a man, and YOUR dog is not MY best friend. That being said, there is usually enough chlorine in a public pool to kill a human, let alone destory all the 'nasty' things left behind by swimmers. I don't frequent public pools. However, if this event were the last thing done in a pool just before they pull the plug, I see no harm in it. The pool would be safe for all the little swimmers at the start of the next season. But, don't expect me to get all giggly at the thought of your mutt frolicking around with the other four legged fur factories. "

DogSupporter wrote on Aug 29, 2007 10:47 AM:

" Dogs disgusting....get a life. Humans carry more disease. Using your mentality kids would be in quarantine. Ask any school teacher...head and body lice, scabies, constant cold, flu, skin diseases... Yuck .Dogs sound pretty tame compared to them. For many of us, dogs are part of the family. If you aren't moved by seeing the great time dogs have at the pool - then you have to be a pretty cold hearted....It's top notch enjoyment for all. "

LittleMac wrote on Aug 29, 2007 10:00 AM:

" "just thinking": Now, are you talking about the dogs? Or, the kids? "

HED wrote on Aug 29, 2007 9:58 AM:

" I am asking this question and it may have already been asked. But I just wondered if the health officials are protecting the dogs from each other by not letting them into the pool together? Other words is it health for the dogs to swim together and share their ills? "

Spottydog wrote on Aug 29, 2007 9:47 AM:

" Dogs were allowed to swim in Fairview pool the past few years at the end of the pool season - the pool was always drained and scrubbed clean by pool employees after the dogs left. There was no chance of any human getting ill due to the dogs using the pool. Part of the fun of having the dog swim was observing the social interactions of the hundreds of dogs playing in the pool. For those of you who can't comprehend this, forget it and go back to your boring life. "

just thinking wrote on Aug 29, 2007 9:08 AM:

" What about all the mites, lice, ticks, fleas I guess to me its just the thought of what might be on those animals. Take your dog to Towanda park or lake Bloomington "

Disgusting wrote on Aug 29, 2007 8:44 AM:

" I would not want to be in a pool where dogs or any other animals are swimming. A lake is one thing, but in a public pool is just gross. "

Wat Tyler wrote on Aug 29, 2007 8:27 AM:

" When did Normal shut down pool on College? I believe it was August 8th, which is incredibly short sighted. Why have a pool if it isn't open for business during the hottest month of the year? Is the park budget so tight that it can't operate all summer long? I don't know about the dog issue, but how about keeping the pool open until after labor day so the people can use it? "

yo wrote on Aug 29, 2007 7:22 AM:

" when the PH in the water get to a level the pool has to be closed down because it comes unsafe. when the kids and the dogs pee in the pool this PH can and will change. maybe they should just stop letting kids in the pol also. "

Harv wrote on Aug 29, 2007 6:28 AM:

" This dog in the pool issue has done it to me.....I can't read anymore letters to the Editor. FOOLISH is the word. If YOU want your dog to swim in a pool buy the dog a pool they sell them at WalMart and KMart! "

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