02-05-2025
Dumfriesshire puppy conquers fear of water to complete unique charity frisbee challenge
Dumfriesshire puppy conquers fear of water to complete unique charity frisbee challenge
Black labrador Arthur ran back and forth into the Solway Firth at Powfoot to raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland.
Black labrador pup Arthur took on a frisbee challenge for Alzheimer Scotland
A Dumfriesshire puppy conquered his fear of the water to complete a unique frisbee challenge for charity.
Black labrador Arthur ran back and forth into the Solway Firth at Powfoot Beach 62 times – raising £360 for Alzheimer Scotland in the process.
The number of times represents the 62 per cent of people living with dementia who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
One-year-old pup Arthur showed no fear as he completed his challenge – under the watchful eye of owner Lynn Janssen from Brydekirk – wearing a mini life jacket.
And his feat was even more impressive as it came just weeks after he almost drowned in Loch Lomond.
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Lynn, who is also Alzheimer Scotland's day services manager for Dumfries and Galloway, said: 'Arthur did so well, we're so proud of him, especially after the close call in Loch Lomond.
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'We just assumed he would naturally know how to swim, but the loch is deceptively deep and as he went further out he suddenly got into trouble. We could see him dropping down into the water and his paws were waving in the air.
Arthur with owner Lynn Janssen
'Thankfully my husband Stephan was able to reach him from the pier and pull him to safety.'
Following Arthur's scare, Lynn paid for access to a special dog friendly swimming pool in Glasgow to teach Arthur him to swim.
The 54-year-old added: 'Once he got the hang of swimming, I wanted to do something more to build his confidence.
I try to raise money for Alzheimer Scotland at least once a year, so I thought the frisbee challenge would be a great way to help improve Arthur's swimming while also raising money for a great cause.
'On the day of the frisbee challenge we put a life jacket on him for extra safety, as well as his Alzheimer Scotland bandana, and he absolutely loved every minute.'
Lynn manages Alzheimer Scotland's day centre and community groups across Dumfries and Galloway, from her base at the charity's dementia resource centre in Gordon Street, Dumfries.
Arthur proudly wearing his Alzheimer Scotland bandana
The money raised will help support vital dementia care, research and improvements in brain health.
Lynn said: 'My gran had dementia so I've experienced first-hand how this illness can impact those living with a diagnosis, as well as family members and friends.
'Alzheimer Scotland runs a centre in Dumfries as well as a number of community groups right across Dumfries and Galloway and we're opening new groups all the time.
'We recently launched Brydekirk Buddies, a dementia-friendly group that meets every Wednesday in the village hall where people can take part in different activities or just come along for a chat.
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'These services are provided free of charge and I can see the huge benefit they have to the people we support.
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'No one should face dementia alone and I wanted to do my bit to raise some funds to help keep these vital services going so that we can help even more people, both in Dumfries and Galloway and across Scotland.'
To support Lynn's fundraiser, click here.
More information is available about Alzhimer Scotland's work in Dumfries and Galloway by calling 01387 261303.
