A free fundraising day with a difference has been organised to support the Isle of Wight Earl Mountbatten Hospice.

Jollyes Petfood Superstore in Newport has teamed up with Doggy Paddles Canine Country Retreat to promote a fun day for dog owners that could also have positive health benefits for their four legged friends.

Celebrating its tenth birthday, Doggy Paddles provides a canine hydrotherapy service to help rehabilitate injured animals, treat arthritis, help with weight loss, and even just to give a pooch some fun.

Canine hydrotherapy makes use of the physical properties of warm water in helping dogs achieve muscle relaxation, assist their joint movements and allows for cardiovascular activity in a weightless and fun swimming environment.

The hydrotherapy open day is on Sunday 1st July between 11am and 4pm at Doggy Paddles Kennels and Hydrotherapy Centre on Whiterails Road, opposite Butterfly World. Added to hydrotherapy demonstrations, activities on the day include a Siberian racing husky dog team, canine agility demonstrations, dogs dancing to music and a flyball team. There will also be prizes galore, including Jollyes Petfood Superstore vouchers and £300 worth of hydrotherapy treatment and kennelling vouchers. A BBQ and refreshments will be available through the day.

Lee Hodgson of Doggy Paddles said: "Eighty dogs a week on average use our hydrotherapy pool to help with pain relief, improve mobility or to assist pre or post-operative conditions. We wanted to make as many owners as possible aware about the benefits for their pets in a fun family environment with all proceeds helping the Earl Mountbatten Hospice."

The Jollyes Petfood Superstore voucher prizes can be exchanged for healthy pet products in its Newport store. Jollyes store Manager, Tony Bunce, said: "We take the issue of pet welfare very seriously and were delighted to help promote the benefits of hydrotherapy, especially as all proceeds on the day go to the Hospice. We would encourage all dog owners to go along and see how hydrotherapy can improve a dog's quality of life."
For more information visit Jollyes on River Way Industrial Estate, Hurstake Road, Newport or telephone Lee or Julie from Doggy Paddles on 882669.