We’re dog people
It all started when…
Paws to Swim opened in 2002 when founder Debbie Logerfo sought treatment for her Bernese Mountain Dog, Davos, who was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia. Swimming helped ward off the crippling arthritis often associated with dysplasia, and Debbie discovered endless benefits to the practice.
Alice and Henry Nickel took ownership in 2015 after a decade of fostering and working with dogs. A longtime administrative assistant at Betty Baugh’s Animal Clinic, Alice helped to establish animal rescue groups in both South Carolina and Virginia. This husband and wife duo consider swimming a longtime passion and bring a fresh energy to the program.
Located just 10 minutes north of Short Pump, our facility was built specifically for dogs and offers 3 indoor, heated pools. It’s also home to an outdoor regulation sized canine dock diving pool, an outdoor swimming pool for pups who just want to swim and jump, and two fenced-in fields for your dogs to play in!
Meet the team
she/her & he/him
Alice and Henry are the owners of Paws to Swim and have been building their dream since 2015. They live on-site with their three dogs—Gracie the bulldog, Skye the duck toller, and Slater the pitbull—alongside three goats, a lively flock of chickens, and their seven-year-old twin children. When they’re not in the pool with dogs, you’ll often find Alice in the garden and Henry out on the mountain bike trails. Both are passionate about the outdoors, animals, and creating a welcoming space for dogs and their people. Their goal is to continue growing Paws to Swim into the best dog swim center possible, a place where every dog can thrive.
Alice & Henry
she/her
Gaby became involved in the dog world after adopting her soul-dog, Murphy. He needed more support and specialized care to address his anxiety. After seeing how Murphy could grow and transform, she became passionate about extending that same care to every dog she meets. She spends her free time with her husband, Irish Setter Floki, and pitbull mix Zoey.
Gaby
she/her
After spending 5 years in the veterinary field, Alex switched to a career outside of the animal world. Now she feeds her dog-loving soul by spending her free time at Paws to Swim! Alex has a soft spot for large (and extra large!) breed dogs. She lost her soul-dog, Private, to brain cancer in 2022. After her journey in coping with his behavioral and physical changes, she is grateful to offer a safe place for dogs of all capabilities and dispositions.
Alex
Sara
she/her
Sara fell in love with Paws to Swim in 2023 after her beloved Stella Ann was recommended hydrotherapy following multiple orthopedic surgeries. Stella Ann (pittie/black lab) and her brother, Ludo Archimedes (Cockalier), both benefited tremendously from swimming. Swimming became the highlight of their week (which they vocalized quite loudly on the drive to swim). It was their joy and health benefits that brought Sara back every week. Stella and Ludo continued to swim weekly until Ludo's passing in 2025 and Stella's in 2026. Sara joined the Paws to Swim team in 2026 and loves sharing in the joy that swimming brings to dogs of all ages, sizes, and temperaments.
she/her
Joelle discovered Dock Diving in 2018 with her tri-pawed Belgian Tervuren, Han. Since then you may have seen her working at North America Diving Dogs events or competing with Han or Eli, her Lab/Malinois mix. After earning multiple regional and national placements with both dogs, her passion for helping other teams grew. Joelle’s vast knowledge of dog behavior started with volunteering her time at an animal shelter in 2014. Her experience in Education, Dog training from Basic Obedience, Behavior Modification, to various canine sports venues gives Joelle a unique perspective to help dogs and humans of all experience levels.
Joelle
Kaylee
She/Her
Bio & Photo coming soon!
Meet the Paws to Swim pups!
