September 9th 2023.
Today, Saltdean Lido in Brighton was overtaken by 150 golden retrievers in what organisers are describing as ‘complete doggy mayhem’. The ‘gold rush’ gave an opportunity for dogs and their owners to cool off in the heat. Deryck Chester, the organiser of the event, said that people had travelled from all over the UK to join in the fun.
“It’s completely bonkers but we have probably about 8,000 dogs and humans coming for these four weekends of the Dogtember event,” he said. “It’s complete doggy mayhem. The great thing about this event is everyone’s smiling. You do get a bit wet but it’s just a bit of fun.”
The event also included stalls for dog treats, toys, and a splash zone with a paddling pool and slide. Chester said that these dog swimming events are fundraisers that help contribute to the sustainability and restoration of the lido, and also subsidise swims for humans throughout the season. This year is on track to bring in £60,000, and it is estimated that around a quarter of a million pounds have been raised since the events began in 2017.
Among those joining their dogs in the pool were Jen Wise, Lizzie Vine, and Penny Wright, who had travelled from Eastbourne with their goldies Ted and Kenny. They were celebrating their 10th and first birthdays respectively. “It’s our first time here. It’s our dog’s first birthday, it’s a birthday party really,” said Ms. Wise.
Eia Andersen, one of the 20 volunteers helping to steward the event over the month, had travelled from Denmark to support the dog swims while timing it in with her UK holiday. She said that the interaction between the dogs and their owners having fun by the pool in a controlled environment was lovely.
Finally, Millie Goad and Donna Sherlock, founders of the Kent and Sussex Golden Retriever Club, were also enjoying the sell-out event. “Dogs just bring people together,” said Ms. Goad, an owner of four golden retrievers. “Everyone loves a dog and everyone loves a golden retriever.” Ms. Sherlock, who runs a DIY dog wash business, added, “Dogs have led me to completely ditch my entire lifestyle. I was a head chef and now this is me.”
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