MANY people would love their own indoor heated swimming pool.

And one Hopwood couple have designed and built their own - but it's just for dogs.

Lynda and Kelvin Moore, of Birmingham Road, originally created the swimming pool for their German shepherd who developed arthritis at just two years old.

But almost two years on, the couple have opened their doors to the public and offer the benefits of water therapy to a range of dogs.

Many vets now refer dogs to Swim Therapy before and after operations, either to tone up before going for surgery or afterwards to help recovery.

Mrs Moore said: "It's a heated swimming pool about 20ft by 15ft.

"We designed it so dogs can walk down steps into the pool gradually instead of being hoisted in. Many of the dogs are given life jackets if they are unsteady.

"Swimming takes all the weight of the dogs and it's really good for them. We make it as fun as possible with the use of toys."

After each session the dogs are given a shower and towel dried, but Mrs Moore is quick to stress the project - which is the only one of its kind in the area - is not a pampering parlour.

In fact, Mrs Moore also sees a number of guide dog puppies and pedigree dogs which need building up for the Crufts Dog Show.

She said: "I don't go in the water with the dogs but we have leader rein if the dogs are a bit frightened.

"But when they get used to it, they are left to swim alone unless they are blind, deaf or very old."

For more details about Swim Therapy, call Mrs Moore on 0121 445 3808.