Barney was brought down the canal to a waiting group of vets and nurses.

Elderly dog saved during the kayaking stage of the Vet Charity Challenge

A 17-year-old collie is lucky to be alive after being rescued from a canal in Pewsey, Wiltshire, during a vet charity event on Saturday.

The elderly dog, named Barney, was spotted by a team taking part in the kayaking stage of the Vet Charity Challenge - an event which sees veterinary staff and industry partners from all over the UK come together to raise money for animal charities.

After escaping through an unlocked gate, Barney had fallen into the canal. A team from veterinary equipment supplier Kruuse UK managed to heave him onto their kayak.  

Andrew Groom from Kruuse said, "It was sheer luck that we happened to be paddling past at that point. The poor chap was struggling on the steep banks of the canal and kept slipping back in. He was getting very tired and at risk of drowning, and judging by his gums and heart rate, going into shock."

Barney was taken to Drove Vets in Swindon, where he recovered well from his ordeal.   

"Barney was a bit hyperthermic when he was brought into us with a lot of bumps and bruises," said Karen White from Drove Vets. "We managed to warm him up and get him cleaned and after a little while his tail started wagging and he seemed very happy and friendly."

Barney's worried owners were able to trace him to the vets after news of the rescue was posted onto a Pewsey Facebook page. Very much relieved, they collected him later that day.

This year's Vet Charity Challenge consisted of 50 teams of four who undertook orienteering, cycling and kayaking as well as physical and mental tasks. In its first two years, the charity raised more than £70,000. This figure is expected to rise even further this year.

Gavin Mitchell, from founding sponsors BCF Technology, commented:  "We never dreamt that while trying to raise money for our partner charities, that we would end up saving the life of a pet in such a direct fashion. Had Team Kruuse not been passing at that point, the dog would almost certainly have drowned. It highlights the real commitment and passion that the vet profession feels towards helping animals."

To donate directly to Vet Charity Challenge visit www.vetcharitychallenge.co.uk

Images (C) BCF Technology