The Canine Charity Solent Swim 2023 at Hydrotherapy | Four Paws, The Wickham Canine Rehabilitation Centre in aid of StreetVet

There were 31 canine competitors who rose to the challenge of “crossing the Solent” We had to swim 1500 lengths of the pool in order to cross to the Isle of Wight (any shortfall was to be made up by the team at the end of the day!) The day started early with Flossy (who likes to swim for chicken and nothing less) and she completed an impressive 32 lengths so we were off to a flying start. Dogs of all shapes and sizes, came and went (& ate sausages) throughout the day and we gradually clocked up lengths. Rex did the most lengths – 80!! And our eldest competitor Poppy at 15 years old, even managed 12 lengths. But we were still a little short of our grand total when the final competitor Lenny dived into the pool. We are happy to report that Lenny completed the task and we closed the day on a total of 1502 lengths – we made it!

The day raised an impressive £5660!! We can hardly believe it – aren’t those dogs (and their chauffeurs) just wonderful! Thank you, thank you, thank you. This huge amount raised will make a real difference to StreetVet and their ongoing work and projects.

Big thanks to the following who generously gave their time and energy on our big day: The Hydrotherapy Four Paws team - Sarah, Lisa, Louise, Hana and Jenny, Kevin & Pete (BBQ), Debs for the amazing cakes and Sharon for the huge bags of Paleo Ridge doggie treats.

The biggest thanks must go to all the incredible doggy competitors: Poppy, Tinka, Lenny, Angel, Gus, Nell, Delta, Echo, Bear, Polly, Lexi, Teddy. Oscar, Roxy, Flossy, Wilson, Murphy, George, Judge, Little Scooby, Rex, Coco, Big Scooby, Teddie, Bongo, Bertie, Bramble, Charlie, Riley, Figgy & Daisy. Plus all their amazing supportive owners - thank you.