GARLAND – Pooches in their swimsuits, life vests and floaties practiced their dog paddling Saturday to help raise money for the city's future dog park.

The Garland Bark Park organization hosted its third annual Dog-A-Poolooza on Saturday at Holford Park Pool. The annual event allows residents and their pooches to hop in the pool for an end-of-the-summer swim.

Group president Dave Degnon said it's a fun and safe environment for dogs big and little.

Dallas residents Douglas and Debra Payne said this was the first Dog-A-Poolooza for their black Labrador, Bo.

"It's great to see other people who appreciate their dogs so much," Ms. Payne said.

Mr. Degnon brought his two dogs, Sammy and Mickey, out for the swim.

"This is where the dogs rule," he said. "You know people love their dogs when they bring out their 230-pound dogs."

At least 150 people and their pups turned out for Saturday's festivities, Mr. Degnon said. Last year's event drew nearly 200 people, he said.

In addition to raising money for the future dog park, Dog-A-Poolooza proceeds also go toward purchase of medical supplies for the Garland Animal Shelter.

"Shelters don't get lots of money, and it's good to help them so we can see more of them [dogs] get a home," Mr. Degnon said.

Proposals for an off-leash dog park in Garland began in mid-2006. Bark Park raises awareness and money for the project and hosts events for dog owners in the community, according to the group's Web site.

The dog park is tentatively planned at Firewheel Parkway and Castle Road. Mr. Degnon said the mayor and the park commissioner assured the organization of a certain number of acres for the dog park.

"The park should be included in the next bond package, and we hope the park will come to pass," he said.

Mr. Degnon said that although residents have remained positive about the park, he recognizes that the economy is down.

"The city has done a good job of recycling land into parks," he said, "but like any city, funding is an issue."

Dallas resident Winter Morin came to Dog-A-Poolooza with her golden retriever, Buddy, and her Shih Tzu, Frida. She said the pool was the place for dogs to be on Saturday.

"When I die, I want to go to heaven, and I want it to be just like this – dogs everywhere," she said.