Forget Office Politics, The Happiest Worker In Washington, D.C. Is A Dog Named Ziggy
The first time Ziggy trotted into Dominique’s world, it didn’t feel random. It felt meant to be.
You know that rare kind of connection, the one that happens before logic steps in? That was Ziggy.
Dominique had always loved dogs, but for her, it was never just a hobby. It was a calling. She poured her heart into building something truly special — the K9 Aquatic Center in Washington, D.C., a place where dogs can swim freely, build confidence, heal their bodies, and rediscover the simple joy of movement.
Think of it as a water park, but every guest has four paws and a wagging tail. And her right-hand helper? None other than Ziggy himself.
He’s more than just company, he’s 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 begin with breakfast, a stretch, and a stroll around the block. But the second Dominique picks up her car keys, his whole body buzzes with excitement.
He knows exactly what’s next. By the time they pull into the parking lot, he’s wiggling in the backseat, barely able to contain himself. Dominique shared in an interview:
“That’s swimming time, and he can’t wait. I’m usually too slow for him.”
Before the other dogs arrive, Ziggy gets his own private splash session, his moment to rule the pool. You can almost imagine what’s going through his head as he charges into the water: “This is my kingdom! My toys, my waves, all mine!”
He paddles around, dives for toys, and splashes with such gusto that Dominique sometimes ends up soaked before she’s even taken off her shoes. For Ziggy, swimming isn’t just playtime, it’s pure happiness.
But the K9 Aquatic Center isn’t only about fun. It’s also a place of recovery and hope. Dominique opened the facility nearly ten years ago and has since helped countless dogs regain their strength and confidence.
“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.”
Each dog arrives for a different reason, but they all leave with wagging tails, dripping fur, and a little sparkle in their eyes.
Ziggy knows firsthand how healing the water can be. As a puppy, he suffered an injury that made running and jumping difficult. But in the pool, he found freedom.
With Dominique by his side, the water became his therapy, his safe space, his happy place. Even now, years later, that joy hasn’t faded. If anything, it’s grown stronger.
When Ziggy dives into the pool, it’s as if he’s celebrating everything he’s overcome, the freedom to move, to play, to live without limits.
He’s not just Dominique’s assistant; he’s the heart and soul of the entire centre. He’s the wagging tail that greets nervous newcomers and the goofy swimmer who shows them that the water isn’t scary.
And the best part? To Ziggy, none of this feels like “work.” It’s just another perfect day spent doing what he loves most, with the person he loves most.
Breakfast, car ride, pool time, repeat, Ziggy really is living the dream.
