just dogs

Water lovers dog paddle to the beach, parks and pools.

Diane Williams knows something about dogs and swimming. As mother to Ashley, the ocean-loving golden retriever, and foster parent to several goldens over the years, she heads toward the beach nearly every Sunday morning. If not the beach, then to a friend's swimming pool, a kiddie pool, or even a boat destined for Dewees Island.

"Goldens are big water babies," she says.

You can often find Williams, Ashley, and other retriever friends bounding through the waves of Sullivan's Island, where dogs may roam without a leash until 10 a.m. (or later, see below). "They chase the birds and body surf," says Williams. "It's a great time."

Williams is an active member of the Low Country Golden Retriever Rescue. Each summer, the group throws a pool party in honor of the 125 or so dogs for whom they find families during the year. The president of the rescue hosts the party; she and her husband built their in-ground pool especially for their dogs. "Some just lay in the kiddie pools," says Williams, "but others leap and belly flop into the [in-ground] pool, climb the stairs to get out, and do it all over again. It's really wonderful to watch."

In the world of canines, certain breeds are more inclined (and physically prepared) to swim than others. For instance, the Labrador retriever and the landseer Newfoundland have webbed feet; if you spread their paws, you'll see that skin connects one toe to the next. And the wiredhaired pointing griffon has an undercoat of fur that keeps water away from the skin. Though the golden retriever loves to splash around, its paws are not webbed; but Williams believes their bigger chest and hourglass figure help keep their heads above water. "They're also really good paddlers," she says.

Swimming is an excellent source of exercise for dogs of all kinds because it works so many muscles in the body. However, if you're going to take Boomer into the pool, be sure to teach him how to safely enter and exit. If you're taking him to the beach, choose a safe place without a strong undertow. And if the two of you will be sailing, dress him appropriately: "Ashley wears a floatation device with a handle on the back in case I have to reach in and pull her out," says Williams.

Another place for dogs and their humans to enjoy aquatic activity is the James Island Dog Park, a local favorite. Mandi Sandstrom, publicity coordinator for the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission, visits often with her two dogs. "On a nice day during the week, around 4 p.m. and anytime after work hours, you're sure to find dogs swimming. And well over 100 dogs show up on a Saturday or Sunday." The atmosphere, Sandstrom says, is laid-back and friendly.

(One precaution: Watch for alligators when your dog takes a dip in any lagoon or pond in the Lowcountry. Unless an alligator is a certain large size or has shown aggressive behavior in the past, it's entitled to be there.)

Next time you think about cooling off at your favorite beach, pool, or park, remember your trusted buddy. She may just love the water as much as you do.

Dog-Friendly Watering Holes

James Island Dog Park

Wannamaker County Park

Sullivan's Island beach: Dogs allowed off-leash 5 to 10 a.m. daily April through October and 5 a.m. to noon November through March.