Dogs, owners make a splash in Oakbrook Terrace

It's tough to tell who had more fun.

While 9-year-old Todd Lustig and his twin brother Matthew sprinted through the splash pad at Heritage Park in Oakbrook Terrace, their 2-year-old Newfoundland, Sophie, kept pace right behind the boys.

"We've got a water dog, so coming today seemed like a good idea," said their mother, Maryanne Lustig of Winfield.

About 40 other dog owners agreed with her Sunday, since they all headed to the Oakbrook Terrace Park District's annual dog splash to help their pets have fun and keep cool.

During the afternoon event, dogs could soak in the splash pad, score treats from vendors and exercise on agility equipment. Tim Child, the park district's recreation supervisor, said this year's event drew the biggest turnout so far.

Not all the dogs were as outgoing as Sophie, though. Amy Kofink of Villa Park sat with her 3-year-old Chihuahua, Comet, as the edge of the splash pad, trying to coax him into joining the fun.

"He's a little skittish," Kofink said.

His friends Casper and Bella, a Maltese and Poodle belonging to Kofink's sister and her husband, Tina and Mike Pieniazek of Lombard, eventually nudged Comet toward the water.

Tina Pieniazek said she brought her dogs to help them learn to socialize better, since Casper barks at everyone he sees.

"Plus, it's just a fun time in the water," she said.

With the popularity of dog-friendly events during summertime, vendors like Joe and Sheila Spitza find their schedules are booked. While handing out goody bags filled with treats from their Oak Brook shop Wet Nose, Sheila Spitza said it's almost impossible to keep up - which is ideal not only for business, but for owners looking to give their dogs new experiences.

"There are just so many things happening for dogs these days that, as much as we'd love to, we can't even get to all of them," she said.