Burbank Y has Gone to the Dogs!

Just before the Burbank YMCA closes its small pool to be drained and cleaned for the end of summer, local pups will have the opportunity to dive in and make a splash with their owners during the third annual Puppy Swim.

The Puppy Swim will be held on Sunday, Aug. 21 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the YMCA Burbank, 36 Arthur B. Lord Drive, Reading, Mass. Half hour time allotments are available for signup. Advanced registration is required, with proof of rabies vaccination. Vaccinations must be completed a minimum of one week prior to swimming. A $25 donation to the Burbank YMCA Annual Fund is appreciated.

The Burbank YMCA Annual Fund counts on the generosity of members, partners, volunteers and staff to ensure that anyone interested in becoming a member of the Y is never turned away due to their inability pay. The Burbank Y is one of 13 branches of the YMCA of Greater Boston the state’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities. Every day the Y works with thousands of men, women and children to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. The funds raised through the Burbank Y’s Annual Fund stay in the community, and directly supports members within the five communities the branch serves.

“For so many of our members, their dogs are an extension of their family, so they enjoy spending the afternoon with them at their neighborhood Y,” says Irene Collins, executive director of the Burbank YMCA. “It’s a real treat for the families.” Last year the Puppy Swim raised $1,000 for the Burbank YMCA’s Annual Fund.

This year’s Puppy Swim will be sponsored by Bark N’ Roll, a full-service dog business in Reading. They offer dog training, dog walking and dog sitting, and are re-opening a brand new full-service facility, where they will offer boarding, daycare, groups and private training. President of Bark N’ Roll, Francine Coughlin, CPDT-KA, is a YMCA member and an active member of the Reading community.

“It’s so nice to be able to see members of the community, many of whom make up our clientele, in a different setting.” At the Puppy Swim, Bark N’ Roll trainers will serve as “ruff-erees”, ensuring that all of the dogs are safe and behaving properly.

For questions, or to register, call the Burbank YMCA welcome center at (781) 944-9622. Space is limited.