The City of Cupertino held its first of two biannual Pooch Plunges at the Blackberry Farm pools on May 16. Dogs flooded through the gates as the clock hit 9 a.m., racing towards the pools before leaping in with a splash. With an entry fee of $12 per dog, the Pooch Plunge offered many options for dogs, including two pools and an obstacle course, along with treats, toys and balls.
The Pooch Plunge consisted of four 45-minute sessions with 15-minute breaks in between. In September of 2025, over 200 dogs had participated in the Fall Pooch Plunge. Participant Jo Nguyen has been bringing their dog, Pecos, to the Pooch Plunge for three years for the fun the event provides to dogs. Nguyen says they enjoy that the event gathered dogs from the community to bond and play together.
“There is not really an opportunity for him to really recreate or play around in the pool with other dogs, he doesn’t get any other outdoor aquatic activities,” Nguyen said. “So, the City of Cupertino really gives us the only opportunity for him to swim and play around.”
Lifeguard and senior Sayuj Masurkar signs up to work at the Pooch Plunge every year. Masurkar says he enjoys being in the dog-filled atmosphere as he watches the chaos and energy of the dogs.
“I did Pooch Plunge last September,” Masurkar said. “I found it really fun and fulfilling, because you see a bunch of dogs running around, being chaotic — it’s a nice sight for me to see. I don’t have any pets at my house, so I definitely had fun. When I heard that Pooch Plunge is this year too, at the beginning of the year, I was like, OK, might as well sign up for this one.”
Dog owner Nancy Sharpin has been going to the Pooch Plunge for four years, and like Nguyen, she finds it to be a very welcoming experience for her dogs Riley, Roxy and Mika. She attributes this to its stellar execution and good preparation.
“It’s a big dog park with a pool, so all the dogs fit together and get to socialize and have lots of fun,” Sharpin said. “It’s just a well-controlled environment where it’s got elements of fun for every dog.”
