Cornwall's First 32-ft Outdoor Swimming Pool for Dogs
The Murphy Foundation at SwimDog
Helping dogs find their confidence
This year we are launching The Murphy Foundation — a SwimDog initiative designed to support the wellbeing and adoption prospects of rescue and vulnerable dogs through safe, confidence-building sessions at our pool.
If you would like to support The Murphy Foundation, details can be found below.
During our first season we saw how powerful these experiences can be. Dogs who were nervous, reactive, lacking confidence, or simply full of pent-up energy often relaxed, played, and discovered abilities their humans hadn’t seen before.
Working with rescue and welfare organisations, The Murphy Foundation allows dogs to attend sessions as needed — whether that’s a single visit or repeat sessions to support ongoing progress. At SwimDog we are not a hydrotherapy or medical facility. What we offer is time, patience, and a calm, controlled environment where dogs can progress at their own pace. Some swim, some paddle, and some simply learn that new experiences, people, and environments can be safe.
Named after our own special-needs dog Murphy — who showed us that limitations don’t always define capability — The Murphy Foundation aims to give other dogs that same opportunity.
Funded by donations from our community and partners, The Murphy Foundation enables dog carers to choose which of their dogs would benefit, when sessions are needed, and whether ongoing visits are appropriate. Quite simply, more support from our community means more sessions can be offered to dogs who need them most.
Because all dogs deserve the chance to surprise themselves.
Jasper
Jasper, a long-stay dog in the care of the RSPCA Cornwall Branch, visited SwimDog as part of a trial session to provide enrichment and help showcase his personality outside the kennel environment. He has since found a forever home.
What Happens in a Foundation Session?
Each Foundation session is tailored to the individual dog and led by the carers who know them best. We use a flexible, responsive approach to build trust, allowing each dog to become comfortable with the SwimDog team and environment at their own pace. Some dogs arrive excited, some cautious. Every dog gives signal that guide us in developing the session. We focus on listening to the dog's indicators and aim to build their confidence as the session goes on.
Some dogs swim immediately. Some take time to build confidence. Some simply explore, play, or learn that new places and people can be safe. Our aim is always to end on a positive experience for the dog.
Sessions can help dogs:
- Release energy in a positive way
- Build confidence and trust
- Experience life outside kennels
- Show their true personality
- Prepare for adoption
There is no pressure to perform — the goal is simply a safe, positive experience.
How The Murphy Foundation Works
The Murphy Foundation operates in partnership with recognised rescue and welfare organisations.
Alongside offering sessions during quieter periods, funded support allows visits to be planned in advance, providing structure and reliability for both carers and dogs.
Donations enable session vouchers to be issued to participating organisations, allowing them to decide:
- Which dogs would benefit most
- When visits should take place
- Whether repeat sessions are appropriate
Organisations book sessions in the usual way, ensuring flexibility for their needs while keeping scheduling and administration straightforward.
The aim of the foundation is to work collaboratively with rescue teams to support assessment, wellbeing, rehabilitation, and ultimately each dog’s transition to a happy forever home.
Supporting The Murphy Foundation
Support from Individuals
The Murphy Foundation is funded by voluntary donations from our community and local partners. These contributions help cover the running costs of providing sessions and maintaining a safe environment for the dogs who attend. More support simply means more opportunities can be offered to dogs who need them.
Contributions are pooled to support the foundation as a whole, allowing participating organisations to use sessions where they are most needed.
If you would like to contribute you are very welcome to do so, but there is absolutely no obligation. Every contribution, however small, helps make more sessions possible.
Donations can be made on-site by Cash or Card, or by clicking the donation link below and adding your own donation amount:
Support from Businesses and Organisations
Local businesses, holiday parks and organisations are warmly invited to support The Murphy Foundation.
A contribution of £40 or more allows us to include your organisation on our “With thanks to our Murphy Foundation supporters” board, used as a backdrop for photos, social media updates, and foundation-related content. Where appropriate, we are also happy to tag supporting organisations in posts.
Simply make a contribution and send a print-ready A4 landscape logo — we will take care of the rest.
Send logos and enquiries to: admin@swimdog.co.uk