Along for the Ride: Penny & Jersey join this man each day as he grooms Wisconsin ice rink

(InvestigateTV) — At Ice Hawks Arena in Wisconsin, the ice is groomed by Rob Podach.

He’s worked at the rink since the building opened in 2002.

“It’s just been in my blood,” said Rob.

To Rob, grooming the ice is more than simply cranking and driving.

“Like today I came in at 10:30. I changed the blade on the Zamboni. I went out and edged, scraped the ice down, and then I help them with resurfaces. It’s time-consuming.”

Time consumed with his best friends. Penny is a seven-year-old White English Lab. Jersey just turned two and is a Red Fox English Lab.

You won’t see Rob at the rink without Penny and Jersey.

Playing fetch pregame, or riding along as he grooms the ice.

“They just love going up there.”

A trick he taught them at seven weeks old. The two pups have become attractions in their own right.

“They love it. I had a girl come up to me a month or two ago and she said, ‘You just made my day. I’ve never seen a dog on the Zamboni,’” Rob said with a smile.

They even help clean the bleachers.

“Well they clean the popcorn up,” said Rob, grinning.

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