Little Bobby has just started to meet other dogs after spending most of his life in a tiny crate with a shock collar on to stop him barking.

Now though he has escaped a life locked up and alone to set up home with the team from the Barn Animal Rescue in Newtownards, Co Down where he is undergoing rehabilitation.

In time he will be released to a loving new family, but now his carers are working to help him strength his back legs with swimming lessons with the team from Vet Rehab NI.

And to make sure he is settled in his new surroundings he is allowed to investigate the hydrotherapy suite, including working out who the other dog is in his reflection is.

Joanne Ford from The Barn, said: "Little Bobby will sleep well tonight after his first hydrotherapy session at Vet Rehab NI.

"Bobby is the sweetest, friendliest eight-month-old Springer / Jack Russell Terrier cross who came into us a couple of weeks ago. He has spent his whole life in a tiny crate with a shock collar on.

"Due to this he cannot stand properly and his back legs are very weak; he spends most of the time crawling on his tummy or dragging his back legs behind him. It was heartbreaking seeing him like this.

"We decided to help him along and try to make sure he is as fit and healthy as possible for his new home by building up his muscles with hydro.

"Susan was fantastic and so gentle and caring towards Bobby and really made our first visit very enjoyable. We highly recommend them and will use them again for any of our other dogs that need help."

Bobby is not ready to be rehomed yet but we will keep you updated on his progress.