Falmouth dog toobs lost at sea now swimming length of English Channel

Joanah the border collie, better known to most as toobs (spelled with a lowercase 't' and coined because of how bendy and 'toobular' she is) made headlines nationally back in August after she fell overboard from a boat off the coast of Falmouth and St Mawes.

She was feared lost, only to be found in an incredible chance discovery by two kayakers exploring a cave, having swum more than two and a half miles from where she went missing.

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The subsequent fame brought on by social media and press coverage has made her something of a local celebrity, and she is stopped most days to have photos taken with fans.

Now toobs is taking it one paw paddle further, by embarking on a new adventure that makes use of her incredible swimming skills.

She is attempting to become the first dog to ever swim the length of the English Channel.

For safety reasons this is being done in stages and carried out in Falmouth waters. Currently is the equivalent of two nautical miles off the coast of Dover.

Her website – teamtoobs.simdif.com – and her Facebook and YouTube pages are keeping her fans informed and providing entertainment with videos and data on her progress.

She is being supported by owner Wayne Booth and friends, and they hope to ultimately raise £1,000 for The Last Chance Hotel and PupCakes dog charities.

Wayne said: "What better way to use her well-earned celebrity than by embarking upon an historic record-breaking event that should recapture the hearts and support of the country's public during lockdown, as well as bring attention and sponsorship to the charities that look after dogs that are far less lucky than toobs?"

Toobs has a history of sporting challenges, having raced for Great Britain in her youth in the dry-land mushing sport of Bikejor. She remains undefeated in being the fastest and most aerodynamic dog in the world.

After she retired from competitive sport in 2017, she has kept up her fitness by swimming from her floating home in the Falmouth Harbour - and owner Wayne Booth is convinced that this fitness is what "undoubtedly" saved her life when she was lost at sea.