Newfies to the Rescue

Lassie may rescue Timmy from the well and all, but has he ever jumped off a dock, swam in the water and dragged a small boat to the safety of shore?

That happens every week when Susan Marino and a group of fellow dog lovers bring their Newfoundlands to local waterways to practice water rescues.

For the dogs, the skill comes naturally. The dogs, which have large builds and gentle dispositions, excel at water rescue because of their muscular builds, thick coat, webbed feet and innate swimming abilties.

They are so loyal that one of the most challenging portions of their training is learning to swim to shore in parallel to the person they are rescuing. Their natural instinct is to herd the person.

These practices are held to prepare the dogs for competitions, said Marino, who works at

But the dogs have the instinct, anyway, she said. There have been numerous cases of Newfoundlands, or Newfies as they are called, that have rescued people from near drownings.

These practices are more for the bonding experience and for the dogs to do something they enjoy, she said.

"I love spending time with my dog,'' she said.

Beth Bennett of Northborough, who attends the training with her dog, appreciates the one-on-one time. "The connection and communication with your dog, you can't put it into words,'' she said. 

For more images of the Newfoundlands rescue training, check out our Viewfinder feature Thursday, Sept. 8.