By Julie MacLeod
It looks like the battle to keep a popular doggie swimming activity in West Suffolk has been won.
Canine Dip and Dive based in Pakenham aimed at providing dogs with a unique recreational experience, has been given the nod of approval by West Suffolk Council.
Owners Andrew and Jo Brownlie attended a meeting on Wednesday 5 February 2025, following almost a year of battling with planning regulators over their business being on the site of a historical windmill.
Mr and Mrs Brownlie confirmed in a social media post that they had attended a meeting with councillors and said “We floated out of the meeting after such wonderful news. A letter from one of our supporters called “Louise” was read out at the meeting and they said her letter was so eloquent and made some very valid points. It is expected that the official seal of approval will be finalised at the next council meeting on March 5th.
We would like to thank all our customers and supporters who helped us get to this point after nearly a year of stress, particularly Cllr Andrew Speed who has been an amazing support and RWSfm 103.3, we have been overwhelmed by support.
The business started in 2017 and the concept was inspired when the couples 18 month old springerlier (a cross between Springer and Cavalier) Buddy appeared on Superstar Dogs on Ch4, when he had to retrieve a ball from a pool. Andy began to work with the company who set the pool up for the TV programme and the rest as they say, is history.
They have won many awards over the years including Best Day Out for Dogs in the UK for 8 years running, Jo Churchill small business award runner up 2024, Pet Industry Federation finalists 2023 and 2024, winner Mid Suffolk innovative business awards 2024, Federation of Small businesses runner up 2023, Animal Star Awards Highly Commended 2023.
Canine Dip and Dive runs from April until late October, depending on the weather, and can be found at Pakenham Windmill Farm, Thurston Rd Pakenham IP31 2NF, just 7 miles from Bury St Edmunds, voted the most dog friendly town in the UK at the Dog Friendly Awards held at the Kennel Club in London in November 2024.
Bookings are now being taken and you can find more information at www.facebook.com/caninedipanddive