Most dogs go for morning walks, but Matthew from Ladysmith does things a little differently.
“He’s not your average dog,” said Cindy Savory, Matthew’s owner.
Matthew is a Landseer Newfoundland breed, born with a natural love for the water. But Matthew doesn’t just swim. The 140-pound canine has water skills fit for the coast guard.
“Today, I think he towed about 600 pounds, but the Newfoundlands can tow eight or nine or ten people in a boat at a time, so I think that he’s pretty driven, that he can do the same,” said Cindy.
Matthew can tow boats, track items and even rescue a full-grown man from drowning. The five-year-old dog has never had to use his skills in a real-life scenario, but water rescue is in his DNA. Cindy and her husband Doug have a unique perspective on the subject, having owned and trained Newfoundland breeds for over three decades.
“It helps keep me young, there’s no question,” said Doug Savory, who wears a wet suit while pretending to drown in the water rescue training session. “That’s what they are, a working dog, and that’s what they love to do and I think you’ll see in Matthew how driven some of them are to do the work, it’s just instilled in them,” added Doug.
The Ladysmith couple are avid Newfoundland dog lovers and even participate in annual water rescue testing. They’re also a part of a provincial water rescue dog group.
“I think there’s about 22 members,” said Cindy.
She says it’s a niche hobby in BC, however, the breed is used overseas in life-saving scenarios.
“In Italy, they actually have them jumping out of helicopters and they use them as lifeguards,” said Cindy.
Matthew won’t be jumping out of a helicopter anytime soon. After all, that would likely interfere with his side job as a multiple Best in Show champion.
“He is a big teddy bear,” said Cindy.
A gentle giant that’s brought Cindy and Doug a boatload of memories.
“I’ve never seen a happier dog than that dog,” said Doug.
“We enjoy it, it’s fun,” added Cindy.
Doug, 61, adds that him and Cindy will continue raising and training the water-loving, life-saving breed, as long as they can.
“Until I’m not strong enough to handle one as a puppy.”
Kevin Charach
