Vancouver Becomes Doggy Wonderland This Weekend

Wednesday, September 02, 2015

Aleck Z. Woogmaster, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Photo Credit: facebook.com/pages/Canine-Utopiaplunge

Vancouver's Marshall Community Center and Marshall Park will become a dog's playground on Sunday, as the city will be home to the third annual Pooch Plunge and the Bark in the Park event.

The Pooch Plunge is sponsored by Canine Utopia and begins at 10:30 AM. Featuring five one-hour swims throughout the day, each swim will be open to 50 dogs with pre-registration available for 25 of the 50 spots per swim.

The event costs $10 per dog to swim, and owners can pre-register their dog by swinging through the Marshall Community Center during regular business hours to sign a waiver. Owners will not be allowed in the pool, though they are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs, and lifeguards will be on duty for guaranteed safety. All dogs must be dog and people friendly.

Accompanying the Pooch Plunge is Bark in the Park, a free canine carnival with the Dog Owners' Group for Park Access in Washington (DOGPAW). Located inside Marshall Park, the carnival goes from 10 AM to 4 PM and will feature K9 police demonstrations, the fourth annual K9 Fashion Show, fly ball demonstrations, dog agility course demonstrations and music. Food trucks will offer grub from Esoteric BBQ and Ingrid's Good Street Food.

After the Pooch Plunge, the city will temporarily close the pool for regular maintenance. The water will be drained directly to the sewer system and will not go through the pool filtering system. The pool will be thoroughly cleaned before it is reopened for public use on September 21st.

Related Slideshow: Slideshow: 5 Tips For Surviving Dog Attacks

Pit bull breeds accounted for 78 percent of fatal dog attacks last year. GoLocalPDX outlines five things to know about surviving pit bull attacks recommended by Multnomah County Animal Control.

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1) Do Not Run

Stay as quiet and motionless as you can, "like a tree." Quick gestures or running will only bring out the dog’s prey or chase instinct. If you can, slowly back away while turning your head and eyes away from the dog. Also, avoid screaming.

Photo credit: maplegirlie on Flickr

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2) Protect Yourself

Attempt to place anything you have, such as a jacket or backpack, between yourself and the attacking dog. Keep your arms and hands near your body, making it harder for the animal to reach out and bite you. Also, turn your hands into fists to protect your fingers. If you can, curl up in the fetal position.

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3) Choke The Dog

If a dog cannot breathe or is choking, it will probably stop biting you. If a dog is attacking you, try to ram either an object or your hand down its throat as far as you can to make it gag. Also, try to put pressure against the animal’s throat and windpipe.

Photo credit: smerikal via Compfight cc

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4) Do Not Use Force

Although it seems logical, do not try to hit the dog. With dogs like pit bulls, bred to attack, hitting it will only anger it and make it more vicious.

Photo credit: maplegirlie on Flickr

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5) Report The Incident

Even if you receive no serious injuries, it is best to let the authorities know about a dangerous or menacing dog. It may only injure someone worse in the future. Contact animal control services, such as Multnomah County Animal Control.

Photo credit: MLazarevski via Compfight cc;