FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- The Fort Rucker Splash! Pool and Spray Park is going to the dogs as the post wraps up its swim season.

People's four-legged family members will get the VIP treatment with exclusive access to one of the installations most popular watery attractions when Dog Days of Summer returns to Splash! Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to Ryan Clark, Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Sports, Fitness and Aquatics, Assistant Manager.

"Fort Rucker Aquatics realized how unique and different this type of event was, and decided to give the dogs another go around to end the 2017 summer season with a splash," he said. "The goal is to allow owners to bring their dogs to the pool and spray park to cool off, swim and splash around, and enjoy some fun in the sun with their owners."

The last event was a hit with those who attended, including Katherine Kelly, military spouse, who attended the event in April and said she was happy she was able to share the time at the spray park with her fur babies.

"There aren't many opportunities to do something like this with your pets, so the fact that they offer this here is really refreshing," she said. "Our dogs are basically family members to us, so we want to include them whenever we go on family outings and our dogs love getting in the water, so to be able to bring them here to play and swim with other dogs was a lot of fun. I only wish this was something they could offer throughout the year, but I'm just glad they had something to include our pets."

Although patrons may get the urge to join their furry family members for a swim, Clark said the pool will be open for dog swimming only during the event, but patrons are free to enjoy the spray park with their dogs on a leash.

All dog owners must pre-register for the event, which can be done at the Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Center on Andrews Avenue. The cost is $7 per dog, and owners must provide a copy of each registered pet's current vaccination records, for safety purposes, said Clark.

"During the event, dog owners are welcome and encouraged to bring their pet's favorite toy, ball, rope to interact with them during the event," said the sports, fitness and aquatics manager. "To ensure that fun is had by all participants, owners and dogs alike, we politely ask that all dogs be well behaved, and friendly around other people and dogs."

Clark said that for the safety of the dogs and others, any displays of aggressive behavior or tendencies will result in the dog having to be removed from the event and facility, but dogs of all size are welcome.

Dogs must be accompanied by an adult, 18 years or older, at all times, and owners must clean up after their dogs, he said, adding that plastic waste bags and bins will be provided.

The event will be open to the general public and those planning to attend the event from off post must obtain a visitors pass. Passes can be obtained from the visitor control centers at the Daleville Gate, Mondays-Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Ozark Gate, Mondays-Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, call 255-2296 or 255-9162.