Who’s a good buoy!
NO POOLING ON THE LEADS HERE AS PAWFECT PLACE TO HELP YOUR SORE PETS OPENS IN THE COUNTY
A DOG swimming pool has opened in Earl Shilton that allows you to take a swim with your pet.
Soggy Dogs K9 Swim Centre launched at the beginning of December, providing hydrotherapy and other splash sessions, and the facility has been able to stay open during the coronavirus restrictions.
The owners sought legal advice when the third national lockdown was announced, and were told that as long as only one person or people from the same support bubble come along for each session, the business can continue to operate.
The pool, in Nock Verges, is also filtered and cleaned between each visit, with hand sanitisers and other safety measures in place.
Hannah Kennedy-Jackson set up the venture after her bearded collie, Bobby, needed regular hydrotherapy – which can be very expensive – because of problems with his joints.
She said she is delighted with the swim centre’s positive start and seeing the impact it makes on their canine customers.
She said: “We have a really good family-run business here, it’s great. I know how stressful it is when you have huge vet bills. You need the hydrotherapy and it costs a fortune.
“We have been able to make it affordable. To see the dogs walk out confidently, looking better, it’s so rewarding.”
Canine customers have included newfoundlands, labradors, pugs, spaniels and chihuahuas, with people coming from Hinckley, Barwell and Earl Shilton.
Dogs of all breeds, ages and abilities are welcome, and owners can don a swimming costume themselves and join their pet in the water. There are three members of staff who run the pool and they are already upgrading their systems, with future plans to hire professional hydrotherapists.
Hannah said the business has been a “saving grace” for her, as her other work as a motivational speaker dried up during the pandemic.
One happy customer commented on the group’s Facebook page: “We will be back on a monthly basis. Even the puppy enjoyed her first swim this week. Thank you.”
For more details, visit the Soggy Dogs K9 Swim Centre website.
To see the dogs walk out confidently, looking better, it’s so rewarding
Hannah KennedyJackson of Soggy Dogs