Hydrotherapy | Four Paws - Canine Charity Solent Swim 2012

The Canine Charity Solent Swim 2012

21st April 2012

At Hydrotherapy | Four Paws, The Wickham Canine Rehabilitation Centre

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The day started bright and early with the first dog to kick start the event being Alfie, a golden retriever who swam 62 lengths. Our target was 1500 lengths (equivalent to crossing the Solent!) so we had a long way to go.

Ivan, the puppy from Canine Partners, arrived half way through the day to be greeted by the Hydrotherapy | Four Paws team, who made a huge fuss of him! Who knows what he was thinking as he watched dog after dog arrive, to complete their section of the “Solent” – all funds raised would contribute towards his training. Training that will help to transform the lives of people with disabilities, enabling them to lead more independent lives, by being partnered with highly trained assistance dogs.
Tula receives her certificate for swimming in the Solent Swim at Hydrotherapy | Four Paws to raise money for Canine Partners

As the day progressed, the dogs rose to the occasion, getting closer to their target. Encouraged by their owners the atmosphere at Hydrotherapy | Four Paws was exciting to say the least. All types of dog took part including German Shepherd Dogs, Labradors, a Weimaraner, a Newfoundland, a Staffie, a Flat Coated Retriever, Jack Russells, Border Terriers, a Shih tzu and a couple of highly trained search and rescue dogs! Each competitor was awarded a special swim certificate, a home made carrot & parmesan bone and a tub of Billy & Margot iced treat for dogs. Some dogs completed a worthy 30 lengths whilst others managed over 100. Poppy, the smallest Jack Russell, managed a whopping 102 lengths!
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The total amount raised was £2,800.00 – which is just incredible. A huge thank you to all the dogs that competed:

Indiana Bones, Alfie, Holly, Fraser, Louie, Milo, Polo, Holly, Ella, Tula, Suzy, Lizzie, Oliver, Honey, Daisy, Ursa, Louis, Margot, Murphy, Cain, Rok, Oscar, Poppy, Sasha, Elsie, Bobby, Shadow & Fudge.

And their owners who raised the sponsorship money and of course those that contributed. Thank you.
To see what Canine Partners are doing with your donation please click here.
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The Wickham Canine Rehabilitation Centre

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The Solent Swim 2012

And a huge thanks to the staff at Hydrotherapy | Four Paws and everybody that helped on the day:

Sarah (in the pool) Sarah B (in the pool), Allan (coach) and Kevin, Lloyd & Amy – all gave their time on a very busy Saturday!
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Picture courtesy of The News, Portsmouth
The Wickham Canine Rehabilitation Centre | Telephone: 01329 834647