REBECCA Hardy has splashed out £20,000 on a hydrotherapy pool for dogs.

The cash was going to be a deposit for a house. “But I thought the pool was probably a better investment,” she said.

The 32 year-old from Hutton Rudby runs Just For Dogs in Stokesley and believes the pool is the only one in the Hambleton area.

It is not the first time she has sunk her savings into the business.

Despite the recession she established the company as a dog grooming service in June 2008, after gaining all the necessary training and qualifications.

It proved such a success that within a year she recruited Karen Mcelvaney, who she put through training.

Last year she invested again and opened canine day care facilities and has now expanded into an adjoining unit to introduce the hydrotherapy centre.

The pool is 4.45m (14ft 7in) long by 2.29m (7ft 6in) wide and 1.2m (4ft) deep and is digitally controlled.

The temperature is a constant 26C and jets can provide a current for dogs to swim against. A circulation pump and water filters maintain a clean and healthy environment and water quality is constantly monitored.

All dogs are individually managed and supervised by Miss Hardy or new recruit Jen Todd, who have both gained the necessary qualifications and certifications from the National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists.

“The training was very intense and very clinical,”

said Miss Hardy, “It was very difficult and expensive, but I think it is very important to have us all fully trained so we can offer the best possible service.”

It means they can cater for therapist treatment required by veterinary referrals through to exercise and fun sessions.

“It can be good for dogs that have been injured or who are older and can’t move as easily.

“But the pool can also help young dogs gain confidence in water while some just like swimming and having a splash about.”

The dogs, which are kitted out in buoyancy vests, are individually managed and supervised by staff who actually get into the water with them.

“The pool has to be quite deep to cater for large dogs, the biggest we have had in so far was a young Newfoundland who can grow to about ten stone.”

Just For Dogs is based in Ellerbeck Way on the Terry Dicken Industrial Estate, Stokesley. Contact 07879 281215.