Charity bosses have shared details of a therapy session at a chilly lake in Leicestershire which has helped support a group of military veterans with life-changing injuries.
The charity Blesma organised the event at Stanton Lakes, carrying out water rescue demonstrations with a group of Newfoundland dogs.
The group took part in a series of swims with the dogs which boosted their mental health and helped them bond.
Newfoundlands are known for their life-saving swimming abilities, and have a long history of coming to the aid of fishermen and sailors.
“Newfies seem to have incredible personalities that connect with people, and being in their company often has an amazing, restorative and uplifting impact,” said Pete Lewin, a Newfoundland breeder and trainer with more than a decade of experience.
“These are big dogs, but their characters are 10 times bigger. They just have an incredible ability to calm and uplift people,” Mr Lewin added.
Among the participants was former Royal Marine Chay Coulbert, from Staffordshire, who was injured during his second tour of Afghanistan.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was really good,” he said. “It’s not every day you get to jump in a lake and get rescued by a giant dog!”
Sarah Criddle, Blesma’s outreach officer for the Midlands, organised the event and said she was often looking for different and interesting activities for members.
“It has been an incredible experience and the dogs were simply marvellous,” she said.
“A friend of mine who is a paramedic had been to a similar event and said how good it was.”
She added: “It was a chance to get back to nature, and the wellbeing factor was a really powerful part of the day.”
Alan Farr, who lives in Derbyshire and served in the Army for 19 years, said it had been a memorable experience.
“Getting into the wetsuits was a bit of a struggle, but there was great banter and everyone just got on with it,” he said.
“I got out in the water, and to have a dog come out to me and give me a ride back was like nothing I’d experienced.
“It was superb! These dogs are absolutely fantastic.”
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