There is a moment of hesitation and she meets my eyes as though to check: is this really allowed? Then my dog dives – 24kg of fox red labrador launching into Gourock outdoor pool – to join the splashy tumult.
Dogs of all shapes, sizes and swimming ability have come to the outdoor saltwater pool on Scotland’s west coast for what has become an annual fixture. On the last day of the season, the strictly humans-only policy is relaxed for the Doggy Dip so that canine companions can enjoy the mercifully heated waters with their owners.
