In Christchurch, New Zealand, there’s a special event that dogs—at least, the ones lucky enough to attend—look forward to all year long: the annual dog pool party. For one day, the city opens its pools for pooches to dive in before they’re drained for the winter. This quirky tradition started in 2018, and every year, hundreds of dogs (and their equally excited owners) gather to splash around, chase tennis balls, and let loose in a fun, dog-friendly environment.
Alex Casey, a senior writer in Christchurch, shares the hilarious and heartwarming tale of Maggie, her rescue terrier cross, as she prepares for her much-anticipated annual pool party with her best friend Peachy. Maggie’s reaction to the event is framed in a humorous way, with Casey playfully suggesting that Maggie speaks fluent English and was eagerly awaiting the event. For $3.80 per dog, with proceeds benefiting a rescue charity, this is easily one of the best value-for-laughs activities of 2025.
The event is chaotic, to say the least. Dogs of all shapes and sizes pour into the pool area, their excitement palpable as they splash in the shallows, leap after sticks, and bark at their reflections. Casey describes the scene as a mixture of pure joy and absurdity, with every dog clearly having the time of its life.
Maggie’s annual tradition involves her and Peachy running wild, which includes some cheeky behavior—like stealing treats from other dogs. Casey humorously recounts how Maggie’s attention was diverted away from a $3 tennis ball to a passing Samoyed butt, proving that sometimes dog parties have a mind of their own. Maggie also enjoyed the shallows, where she finally overcame her fear of the water and swam toward Casey, making this year’s pool party an emotional milestone.
The scene wasn’t without its messes, however—some dogs, after all, can’t hold it in when they’re having so much fun. Casey watches as a spaniel unashamedly relieves itself in the pool, but the fun and joy of the day outweigh any minor inconveniences.
Overall, Casey sums up the event as the best $3.80 spent, with the added bonus of a $6.80 tennis ball that may have been “literally down the drain.” But in the grand scheme of things, watching Maggie’s progress from being terrified of water to swimming with abandon was priceless.
For dog lovers, this pool party is a must-see—and for the dogs, it’s likely as close to heaven as they can get.
Related topics:
Man Charged After Police Officer Bitten by Dog in Poole
Dog Owners Criticized Over Growing Trend of Littering Poop Bags
Rescue Dogs Bring Comfort Amid Devastation in Myanmar and Thailand
