Sit. Stay. Splash!

Pups of all kinds, dogs both big and small enjoyed the first-ever Paw-Pool-Ooza at Wild Waves Theme & Water Park on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Hundreds of hounds took a swim in the park’s wave pool, fetching tennis balls from the deep end, and also played in Hook’s Lagoon.

In partnership with Seattle Humane Society, a portion of every Paw-Pool-Ooza ticket goes towards helping the organization save pets in need and connect them with loving families.

Aisha Owens, marketing manager for Wild Waves, said she had been working on hosting a dogs-only swim at the park for years and finally, the timing was right.

“We’re really excited to have this first dog swim event,” Owens said. “We just wanted to have a fun, family-friendly dog swim event and see how it went.”

Vendors and event partners included STAR Radio, The Seattle Barkery, Northwest Boxer Rescue, and VCA CareClub, among others.

“I think it’s a good enough turnout that we might bring it back again next year,” Owens said. “Fingers crossed.”

Dogs of all sizes took a swim in Wild Waves’s wave pool and fetched tennis balls from the water. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

A girl tosses a tennis ball into the water for her dog to retrieve at Paw-Pool-Ooza on Sept. 14. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

Smaller pups explored Hook’s Lagoon at Paw-Pool-Ooza. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

Smaller pups explored Hook’s Lagoon at Paw-Pool-Ooza. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

Some dogs wore life vests to stay afloat at Paw-Pool-Ooza. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

Lifeguards on duty watched over the swimming areas at Wild Waves on Sept. 14. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

A golden retriever splashes through the Wild Waves wave pool at Paw-Pool-Ooza on Sept. 14. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo