These below, are the words of Silva’s owners Natalie & Jamie, Tuesday 13th March 2018. This page is to raise funds for a safe area in Silva’s memory for dogs to enjoy. However, our absolute priority is to work with the authorities to make the Countess Park area safe. This is already under way and will remain our key focus until safe. In addition we plan a dog walk when the weather improves, so that you can all show your support x

“I can’t believe I am writing this. But today we said goodbye to our beautiful girl Silva. While walking in the countess of Chester park, as we have done numerous times before, she slipped down the side of Knoll Bridge, fell in the water and drowned.

We are currently in shock and are deeply grieving over this tragic accident. Silva was a beautiful dog, gentle, kind and fun. She was a member of our family. We were looking forward to her walking down the aisle at our wedding and growing up with Reggie.

Silva was always a keen and strong swimmer, however we now know this small area of water is not what it first seems and there is infact a small tunnel under the concrete bridge and an extremely strong current. So strong that it nearly sucked under the grown men who jumped in to try and save her.

Although there are small signs on the bridge stating a drowning warning, we are stunned at how dangerous this water really is. There is no grate covering the tunnel, which would have stopped silva being sucked through. There is also minimal railings on the edge, giving the impression of minimal risk. The fireman who attended were also shocked at what they saw and said they plan to contact the water agency too.

What is truly scary is silva was a medium sized german Shepard/collie cross and it took 2 fireman to lift her to our car. If she can so easily be drowned, then so could any child. The park is always full of dogs and children, it is a wonder this hasn’t happened before and we truly hope no one has to go through this heartache again.

RIP Silva beautiful girl, we will miss you forever 💙”