Hi, my name is Ruth Punshon. I left teaching after 25 years and have been able to follow my dreams resulting in Little Barn Hydrotherapy opening in July 2018. Having needed hydrotherapy for my own dogs in the past, I have opened this pool to meet the growing demand to give our pets the best physical support we can.

I have achieved a Level 3 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy from Hawksmoor Training. This is an ABC Awards accredited course and covers Introduction to Hydrotherapy, Anatomy, Physiology, Medical, Orthopaedic and Neurological conditions, First Aid, Working as a Multi-Disciplinary Team and Water Management.

I have also passed the Agility First qualification and taught for several years at UpAndOver dog agility club. I am now a member of Golden Valley Agility Club.

For extra reassurance I am a Registered Canine Hydrotherapist, and a member of NARCH (the National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists).

The above picture shows me with my amazing border collie, Ziggy. He is a large part of my inspiration for this project. Ziggy is going to be 9 this year and arrived in my life 8 years ago as a stray from the Dog’s Trust. He has given me so much and is a true and loyal friend. Ziggy is on my logo. He has odd ears (this adds to his handsome, good looks) due a muscle wastage condition that affected his head. He also has some problems now with his back. He is still an active boy who loves to swim and is lucky to have his own pool.

At Little Barn Hydrotherapy Ltd, I strongly believe and support the ‘Five Freedoms’ for dogs.

Freedom from fear and distress.
Freedom from pain, injury and disease.
Freedom from hunger and thirst.
Freedom from discomfort.
Freedom to express most normal behaviours.