‘Life-saving dogs’ working in Leicestershire nominated for national Crufts award

"I know four people that are still alive today because of what we do."

A team of five Newfoundland dogs belonging to East Midlands Ambulance Service Paramedic Pete Lewin have been named as finalists at the annual Kennel Club Hero Dog Awards.

Storm, Sonar, Walker, Bob and puppy Ralf give support to staff in the emergency services, essential services and military personnel.

Newfoundlands are natural water rescue dogs and Pete uses the dogs to give a calming open water experience to support people with mental health needs.

Pete Lewin said: "I’ve had people attend an open water session who have been scared of both dogs and open water but once they start to swim with the dogs the results are amazing.

"They may be experiencing struggles with their mental health and battling anxiety and depression but when they are being ‘rescued’ from the water by the dogs they begin to feel a sense of calm."

In 1998 Pete met a man who hosted open water training events at Bosworth, which inspired him to use his dogs to help make a difference in people’s lives.

Pete said: "I know four people that are still alive today because of what we do. One person bravely told me that if it wasn’t for an interaction they had with Storm, then they wouldn’t still be here.

"They said that the moment that made them change their mind was when Storm looked at them with his eyes in a way that told them that everything was going to be ok and he put his paws on their shoulders."