to motivate us, to connect us with others and the outside world, to alleviate anxiety and stress, to communicate with us in a unique way when humans ways fail, to give us practical help in overcoming physical challenges, to bring us companionship, joy, love, devotion and so much more…

That is why, together with my delicious, young lab Truffle, I am embarking on 366 wild swims for Dogs For Good who, through their Assistance Dog, Community Dog and Family Dog services, create life changing partnerships between dogs and the people who most need them. Through their inspiring work the charity supports children and adults with autism, physical disabilities, learning disabilities and dementia to enable them to live more independent lives.

Where it began…Christmas 2021 and after a year of joint problems I injured my knee and was unable to walk Truff. A week later she was suddenly found to have cancer and required surgery to remove the tumour. We needed a positive, healing challenge for the New Year and I was determined to make the most of every day with Truff. I feel most fully alive when swimming with my dogs and she is a real water dog so our challenge was born - bring on a whole year of chilling swimming, in rivers, lakes, waterfalls, lochs, seas - whatever the weather!

Truff has healed well and we are excited to see where our watery adventures will take us through 2022. Our bond grows stronger every day and it would be wonderful if, through our team efforts, we could help Dogs For Good help more people.

This challenge is in memory of Dad, who taught me to embrace the elements wholeheartedly, and of magnificent Dotchka (pictured above) who opened my eyes to the power of dogs to sense the needs of others and who bestowed calm wherever she went.