Dogs protecting swimmers at Italy's beaches

[westsiderny]

Canines are Newest Members of the Italian coast guard
Newfoundlands and Labradors Trained to Perform Sea Rescues
This month, the beaches of Italy show all the usual signs of summer, including bronzed sunbathers, fast boats and lifeguards. But there's something a little different about the rescue workers this year %u2014 they're dogs.

Newfoundlands and Labradors are the newest members of the Italian coast guard. They're trained to dive to the rescue from boats, the beach and even hovering helicopters. The pups have saved 70 lives in the past year.

Full interesting articleand comments...

[sunflower]

I like labradors very much.

[carolann1957]

I think that's great! I have a newfoundland and it's true, they get very excited when they see someone in the water...he's always trying to get us out of the pool! I have noticed that when he's been to the beach he seems to "count" the number of swimmers and then watches them very carefully. I've never posted a picture before so I don't know if this will work but this is "Captain".
http://twarogowski.com/cute%20pup2.jpg[/img]

[carolann1957]

I guess that didn't work...here's the link again

http://twarogowski.com/cute%20pup2.jpg

[jezabel66a]

Carolina: CAPITAN, es un amor.! Sus ojos son bellos y dulces.
¡ que gran compañia debe ser para ti !, ¿verdad?, y cuantos abrazos y cuidados debes darle.
Es una ternura .....¿me lo prestas?

[carolann1957]

he is a sweetheart! although he takes some getting used to, what with the slobber and all! he follows me everywhere---thinks he is a lap dog, loves to ride in the car and drink from the pool. here is another pic of him when he was just a baby.
http://twarogowski.com/captainsuit.jpg

[CK]

Captain is beautiful, Carolann!!! I saw the story about the life-saving guard dogs in Italy the other night on the World News. They look so serious at their tasks, but lovable at the same time!!! I can't imagine my beagle saving anyone, and she hates the water. She could, however, sniff them out from anywhere!! LOL!!

- CK

[DueBaci]

I think that's great! I have a newfoundland and it's true, they get very excited when they see someone in the water...he's always trying to get us out of the pool! I have noticed that when he's been to the beach he seems to "count" the number of swimmers and then watches them very carefully. I've never posted a picture before so I don't know if this will work but this is "Captain".
http://twarogowski.com/cute%20pup2.jpg[/img]

how adorable is that !

what a cute photo of him as a pup too...

[jezabel66a]

Hi Carolina, Captain, is lovely!. A beautiful and nice little-dog, well......was.Today is bigger, maybe he needs another suitcase.....
Kisses to you, and of course to.....Captain, too.

[carolann1957]

thanks, all! he sends kisses too... really big kisses!

[Yakima]

always had Boxers but my daughters Beagel is more interested in food then saving anyone ,lol