Pancho the rescue pooch will soon be padding about on all four paws thanks to a new health centre offering canine swimming and underwater running.
The injured dog proved himself to be a model patient as he was put through his paddling paces in a heated hydrotherapy pool this week.
He was the first ailing animal to be treated at the new facility in Caister Road, Great Yarmouth , marking the fulfilment of a 20-year dream for its excited owner Kim Cole.
The 26-year-old former carer has been studying hard to obtain her qualification in the field and will today, Friday, welcome Yarmouth MP Brandon Lewis to officially open her new business, Ruffs.
She said workers had been on site for around six months stripping back the former pharmacy to create the hydrotherapy centre which offers a range of treatment options for dogs suffering conditions that affect mobility. Her canine clients are set to benefit from swimming sessions in a heated 15ft pool, helping with recovery from trauma or chronic fitness, weight or circulation issues.
The passionate animal lover who lives in Kings Road, Gorleston, said she had been hooked on the hydrotherapy idea since was six years old and that opening her own centre was a dream come true,
She said: 'When I was little I used to watch the RSPCA channel and I saw this dog that had been hit by a car. The family had a friend or neighbour with a pool and the dog was able to weight bear in 18 months and later walk. And I thought then that that was what I wanted to do.
'Now after 20 years I have my dream.'
Helped by her father Trevor Cole of Coles Steel Fabricators she wants to improve the quality of life for animals who might otherwise live with pain or have to travel further for treatment.
The huge financial investment involved in buying the building and the state-of-the-art equipment was 'exciting but scary' she said, adding that she had already had plenty of interest and a growing crop of bookings. Her expert eye means she can detect a potential canine candidate from a way off and assess how treatment would help, but every animal needs a vet's referral. All sessions are filmed to help the owner assess progress and provide feedback for the animal's regular surgery.
Her first client Pancho was a rescue dog with little history who seemed to have sustained damage to a leg at some point. After just a few sessions the affected leg was more mobile, she said, adding that the dog was 'a natural' who enjoyed his sessions.
However not all dogs took to water, which was where the water-filled treadmill came in.
'I am so excited I can't sleep,' she said. 'It is a scary process because this is dad's retirement fund and I want to make him proud.'
In time she hopes to add an animal physiotherapy unit.
Clive's Grooming Centre is on the same site having moved over from Bradwell. IT consultant and friend Scott Smelling is also basing his Asure Fix business there.
To find out more call 01493 234657.
See the video of Pancho in the pool on the Great Yarmouth Mercury website
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