Fundraiser of the month

June 2010

Penny Hack

Well I have done it (Newfoundland Rescue) and it was GREAT!!!

Having found a wetsuit that didn't strangle me (2nd attempt) I discovered parts of me that I wish I hadn't (or had put out of my mind!!) I put on a life jacket and, once the crew and Beau were in the inflatable speed boat, went down the ramp and into the water (waist height) and got in myself thankfully with help!!  I had to have help getting in after initially slipping and getting an early dunking!!  Thankfully the water was not too cold (quite nice really).  It was also a nice and sunny day and I knew more about what to expect as I had watched a few rescues before mine.

We headed out into the middle of the lake where a couple of people jumped in (the owner of Beau and the Photographer - yes there will be photographic evidence available later!!) and I sat at the edge of the boat and slide in.  My Personal Challenge was to get into deep water (way out of my comfort zone) and when I went in I went down further than I expected and took a good gulp of water in the process.  Everyone was fantastic and asked if I wanted to get back into the boat but I said no and was OK (although coughing and spluttering a bit still) and so the boat did a big circle round and once they had checked again that I was OK, they sent Beau into the water to Rescue me.  Beau is a lovely chocolate colour and had a harness that had 2 rings on his back and you hold one of those, lie on your back and allow the dog to take you back to the boat.

Once we had all got back in we headed towards the shore stopping just short and we got out again (this time with no incident), the boat circled round and Beau came and rescued me again (yippee) and this time heading towards the shore. As you are lying on your back you have no idea which way you are going and it was only when the owner said to Beau to go to the Shore and NOT the Boat that I had a clue that we were heading back out into the lake again but that was soon rectified and he bought me safely back to shore.

I then had my official photo taken with Beau (who wouldn't stop barking) and that was the end of the Challenge. I have received a Certificate to say that Beau was 'my man in shining armour' on the day.

So, all in all, it was a great day and I not only completed my Personal Challenge but with your help and support raised £157.50 for Hearing Dogs - so a BIG Thank You to you all.

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