By Sheila McLaughlin
The Cincinnati Enquirer

BLUE ASH - The last plunge in this city's pool is reserved for the dogs.

The recreation center's pool closed officially after the last swimmer toweled off on Labor Day. But officials say they are expecting about 300 members and their canine companions to take a dip Saturday at the city's second annual Dog Days swim from noon to 4 p.m.

Petey, the long-haired dachshund who entertained the crowd in his infant-sized Speedo and goggles last year, will return "in full gear," promised owner Joan Wells, who supervises concessions for the recreation center.

He'll be accompanied by new sidekick, Joey, a 9-month-old wire-haired doxie, who will experience his first-ever swim - if he dares.

The brainchild of the dog-loving recreation department, the members-only affair was such a hit last year that city officials decided it should become a tradition, recreation supervisor Barb Griffin said.

E-mail smclaughlin@enquirer.com