Exercising in a hydrotherapy pool is a well-recognised form of treatment for people suffering muscular pain - but it's also proving popular with man's best friend.

Purdy the Labrador is one dog enjoying the benefits of the popular treatment, which has not only helped her walk again but may well have saved her life.

Izzy Jones, of Boxley Road, Maidstone, was dismayed after learning Purdy, her one-year- old dog, had been crippled by arthritis.

But thanks to an unusual hydrotherapy treatment at Chiefglen k9 Training in Brishing Lane, Boughton Monchelsea, Maidstone, Purdy is now fighting fit.

• Watch Purdy in action at the top of this page.

Her weekly top-up in the firm's specially-created pools, under the supervision of the centre's staff, has proved invaluable.

Izzy has been extremely relieved about her pet's remarkable revival. She said: "It has been an amazing.

"She was very close to being in a situation where she would have to be put down."

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