Sit Stay Swim's owners had a dog named Shadow, an american eskimo that began suffering from health problems, including blindness, at an early age. When Shadow became too skittish to take walks around the neighborhood, his owners decided to put a pool in the backyard. Shadow was delighted to swim in it, and for years afterward, it seemed he was happiest during the summer swimming season.

This inspired Sit Stay Swim, an indoor pool and recreation center where dogs can exercise and learn to socialize throughout the year. By-appointment swimming sessions are kept private to ensure dogs and owners—who can take a dip, too—feel comfortable. Pet parents can also sign their dogs up for training sessions, which are led by Judy Hales, an experienced trainer who takes a gentle, positive approach to instruction, as opposed to just rolling her eyes at dogs that can't complete their given task.