FORT CARSON, Colo. — Misael Urena-Rojas hugs his four-legged friend as they enjoy the water Sept. 25, 2021, at the annual Dog Splash event at the Ellis Outdoor Pool.

FORT CARSON, Colo. — A Family member watches her dog jump into the water after throwing a toy during the annual Dog Splash event Sept. 25, 2021, at the Ellis Outdoor Pool.

Family member Stella Calderon and her son help their pet, the smallest dog at the event, get used to the water at the annual Dog Splash event Sept. 25, 2021, at the Ellis Outdoor Pool.

FORT CARSON, Colo. — A Family member helps her dog adjust to the pool during the annual Dog Splash event Sept. 25, 2021, at the Ellis Outdoor Pool.

FORT CARSON, Colo. — The Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR) aquatics division held its annual Dog Splash at the Ellis Outdoor Pool Sept. 25, 2021, marking the season’s closing with a number of four-legged Family members and their owners.

The 11th annual event kicked off at 10 a.m. with dogs being let off their leashes as they entered the pool area. If anyone thought that the sight of a pool full of water would detract from the pets’ excitement, that thought quickly vanished. The dogs came together with other dogs and took full advantage of the opportunity. Outside of an occasional disagreement on whose space it was, the dogs relished the chance to chase after each other and drank from the doggie pools.

It didn’t take long for the animals to become familiar with the water, which helped them stay cool on the hot day. The pets enjoyed the pool and the company of their owners, as one after another raced around the pool and swam with joy.

The dogs ranged from large at about 100 pounds to the smallest dog at about 5 pounds, a toy poodle owned by Stella Calderon. While the toy poodle stayed close to Calderon, she said he didn’t have a problem being around the larger pets.

“He’s the only dog at home, so he isn’t used to being around bigger dogs,” Calderon said. “But he has been very good today. I brought him here today because I thought he would really like the pool, and he does.”

Roland Shepherd said he brought his pets to the event for two reasons. He said it gave them a chance to socialize with other pets, and it gave them experience at an activity they don’t normally get to do.

“My bigger dog is having a bit of a time adjusting but doing well, while my smaller dog is just loving it,” Shepherd said.

Misael Urena-Rojas said he loves the water, and he thought his dog would too. The pair were seen leaping into the water, clinging to one another and soaking up every bit of fun they could muster during the event.

“I would be having fun even if he wasn’t here with me, but the fact that he is with me makes it more fun,” Urena-Rojas said. “My dog has (been swimming) in lakes before, but this is the first time he has been in a pool. Like me, he is loving the water, and we are having fun.”