Las Lindes beach in Malaga, Spain, has a new kind of lifeguard called Nilo the poodle. Nilo recently joined a dog rescue team made up of four Labradors. Together, they help swimmers in trouble by jumping into the sea and guiding them back to safety.
Nilo works with his handler, Miguel Sanchez-Merenciano. Miguel goes into the water first, and then Nilo follows to assist with the rescue. Nilo wears a bright life vest and even has suncream on his nose to protect him from the sun.
While Labradors and Newfoundlands are the usual lifeguard dogs in Spain, Nilo is showing that poodles can do the job too. In fact, poodles were once used for water rescues in northern Europe, thanks to their warm, curly fur. The word “poodle” comes from the German word “puddeln,” which means “to splash.”
Nilo didn’t start out brave. At first, he was afraid of loud sounds and crowds. Miguel trained him slowly, step by step. Before long, Nilo was swimming with confidence, using his tail like a rudder to steer.
Poodles are not only fluffy but also very smart and quick learners, according to the American Kennel Club. Nilo is proving that brains and bravery can come in a curly-haired package.
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