This Dog Is The Happiest Employee In D.C. Because He Has The Coolest Job In The World
The first time Ziggy padded into Dominique’s life, everything just clicked. You know how sometimes you meet a dog and it feels like he was always meant to be yours?
That’s Ziggy. And if there was ever a dog who landed in the exact right place, it’s this little guy.
Dominique is one of those people who was clearly born with a soft spot for pups. Her love for dogs runs so deep that she turned it into her life’s work.
She built the K9 Aquatic Center in Washington, D.C., a place where dogs can paddle around, chase toys in the water, and discover just how fun swimming can be.
Think of it as a waterpark, but the guests all have wagging tails. And her trusty sidekick? None other than Ziggy.
He’s not just tagging along; he’s basically the official greeter, lifeguard, and cheerleader rolled into one very enthusiastic pup.
To him, this must be the best job in the world.
His mornings start with breakfast, a little stretch, and a stroll around the block. But the second Dominique grabs the car keys, his whole body buzzes with excitement.
He knows exactly where they’re headed. By the time they pull into the parking lot, he’s wiggling around in the backseat like he can barely contain himself. Dominique shared in an interview:
“That’s swimming time, and he can’t wait. I’m usually too slow for him.”
Inside, before the other dogs show up, Ziggy gets his own private splash session. The pool belongs to him, and you can just imagine what he’s thinking as he barrels in.
Something like, “This is it, my kingdom! My toy, my water, all mine!”
He paddles around, dives after toys, and splashes so hard he sometimes soaks Dominique before she even gets her shoes off. For Ziggy, this isn’t just exercise. It’s pure joy.
But the pools aren’t only about fun. They’re also a place of healing.
Dominique opened the center almost ten years ago, and she’s met some truly incredible dogs since then, as she explained:
“We have some senior dogs who would not be walking if they were not swimming. We have dogs who come for exercise, some when they are older and have pains and aches, and some who come post-surgery.”
Every dog that comes in has their own reason, but they all leave with wagging tails, dripping fur, and a sparkle in their eyes.
Ziggy knows better than anyone how much swimming can change a dog’s life. As a pup, he hurt himself, and regular playtime was tough.
Running and jumping weren’t easy, but the water gave him freedom. With Dominique by his side, he found healing in the pool.
It became his therapy, his safe space, his happy place. And even though his injury is long behind him now, his love for swimming never went away. It only grew stronger.
When he splashes into the pool, it’s almost like he’s celebrating the fact that he’s still here, still strong, still happy.
He isn’t just Dominique’s assistant. He’s the soul of the place. He’s the wagging tail that welcomes nervous dogs, the goofy swimmer who shows them the water isn’t scary.
And the best part? For Ziggy, none of this feels like “work.” To him, it’s just another day of doing his favorite thing with his favorite human.
Breakfast, car ride, pool time, repeat. He’s truly living the dream.
