Lititz Springs Pool is a great community resource. It gives pleasure and enjoyment to hundreds of community members throughout the summer.

But at the end of the season, Lititz Springs Pool (LSP) really goes to the dogs.

"I am honestly not sure why dogs love water so much," said Mike Pesesky, who's been the membership coordinator at the Lititz recCenter, which operates the pool, for four years. "I assume it is dependent on breed and how they're raised. I would say most dogs that come to this event are inclined to love the water."

The Doggie Swim at Lititz Springs Pool is one of the community's unique events. It combines the love of dogs, the love of water and the love of community, and it provides dogs with an opportunity to do one of the many things they love to do - swim.

This year's Doggie Swim will be held at Lititz Springs Pool, which is located at 201 Maple St., from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Everyone and their dogs are welcome.

There is an entrance fee associated with the Doggie Swim, visitors are limited to two dogs per person and proof of up-to-date vaccinations are required.

"The goal is to have a nice, lighthearted end-of-season event for members of the community and allow them to bring their pups and let them have a blast in the water," said Pesesky. "In my experience, the vibe is relaxed and fun loving because who doesn't love to watch dogs run around and have the times of their lives? People typically bring their dogs in and let them run and splash around."

With no structured activities, the Doggie Swim amounts to free time for the canine friends. Some visitors and their dogs stay and play for two hours; some chill for 20 minutes.

"The best thing for me is how excited and happy the dogs are to run around, play and splash in the water," said Pesesky, a Millersville resident and owner of Jester, a westie/terrier mix, and of Julie, a chorkie. "I think everyone enjoys seeing the wide variety of breeds, especially because they come in all shapes and sizes."

The Doggie Swim will serve as Lititz Springs Pool's last official event of the 2026 season. The pool opened around the Memorial Day holiday.

"I can't speak for the relationships others have with their dogs," said Pesesky. "But for me, it's about always knowing they love you unconditionally and that they are happy to see you, no matter if you've been gone for 15 minutes or 15 days. Dogs see owners at their best and at their worst. They are family."

Lititz Springs Pool hosted its first Doggie Swim in 2014.

"For me, the Doggie Swim is one of my favorite events because it typically signifies the end of the summer at the pool," said Pesesky, "because there are a lot of people who work incredibly hard to ensure Lititz Springs Pool is a safe and enjoyable place to attend year in and year out. The mission of the Lititz recCenter is to enrich the lives of the community by providing exceptional programs and facilities that promote the participation of individuals, families, businesses and groups from all backgrounds."

With Doggie Swim, the Lititz recCenter is certainly barking up the right tree.

For additional information, go to http://www.lititzrec.com.