Dogs cool off at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Life is sunny and bright year-round for any pup who lands at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary’s lifesaving oasis known as Dogtown, but it’s especially so during the summer months. In addition to snuggles and strolls, treats and training from staff and volunteers, getting into the water is the perfect way to kick up and cool off.

Of course, every dog has their own preferred approach to pool time.

Dogs come to the Sanctuary from shelters across the country, and each one is different — that includes their level of excitement about diving into the water on a hot summer day. But no matter what, Best Friends supports shelters in reaching no-kill by taking in pets who may need a little extra care to become their best selves. Sometimes that means specialized veterinary care, sometimes expert training, and sometimes a pool day to help the pups get their zoomies out, practice social skills, and have a ball.

Monkey has perfected the splashiest, most epic cannonball jumps (complete with mile-wide splash zones) and is always determined to carry multiple tennis balls in his mouth along the way. Impressive. His sister Princess, however, is less enthused and stays dry by choice — someone has to supervise, after all.

[Meet Dogtown’s canine summer school stars]

And then there’s Boston, who doesn’t need much coaxing anymore. Just toss the ball and she’s off — paws flying, tail wagging, water everywhere. But she wasn’t always so carefree. Boston arrived at the Sanctuary from a nearby shelter as a shy, sensitive pup who was nervous in new situations. With help from her caregivers and her best doggy pal, Mojito, she came out of her shell — and now she’s ready for a good splash anytime (all the time — she loves the water).

At the other end of the spectrum, there’s Lemon. A cautious pup with floppy ears, she tests the water with one delicate paw at a time. Stewie prefers a more relaxed pace too, easing into the water during hydrotherapy sessions that double as both exercise and cool-down time. Winter keeps it even simpler with just a quick toe dip.

Josh, a handsome pup with ice-blue eyes, dives in with gusto, aided by his custom pink wheelchair and flanked by a caregiver, who enjoys being caught in the splash zone too. Meanwhile, senior sweetheart Abbott knows there’s nothing quite like a refreshing soak to take the edge off a warm day.

[Learn more about these splashy pups and other adoptable pets at Best Friends]

Whether it’s a casual wade, a therapeutic soak, or a full-on splash fest, pool time at Dogtown is more than just fun. It creates moments that keep dogs’ tails wagging and minds engaged — full of excitement and joy, tailored to each dog’s personality and needs.

Because at the Sanctuary, helping dogs live their best lives includes plenty of time to play and just be dogs. And that kind of care — whether it’s hydrotherapy, custom wheelchairs, or just a little splash time in the sun — gives pets the boost they need to heal and thrive. Then it’s off to a loving home — and space opens up to help the next deserving pet.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.