ohmidog!

Bilbo, a lifeguard dog that was banned from a Cornish beach, is returning to duty after hundreds of people signed a petition to get him back.

The six-year-old Newfoundland — a breed renowned for its swimming abilities and water rescues — became Cornwall’s first beach rescue dog three years ago, after passing a series of fitness and swimming tests.

He managed to skirt regulations prohibiting dogs on the beach by sitting in his owner’s beach buggy during patrols. But officials cracked down, and Bilbo — shown on the job in this video from 2007 — was sent packing.

Supporters came to his defense, arguing that Bilbo’s track record should make him a permanent exception to the rule. More than 10,000 people signed a paper petition; 2,275 put their names to one a pro-Bilbo website, and 7,000 joined a Facebook group in support of him. 

Last week, to the delight of his supporters across the world, it was confirmed that Bilbo would be allowed to return to Sennen beach and others where he is credited with having taken part in at least three rescues and indirectly saved scores more from getting into difficulties.

His owner Steve Jamieson, said he was delighted at the decision. Jamieson,  at 57, is Britain’s longest-serving lifeguard.

“The people not just in Cornwall but the whole of the UK have taken Bilbo to their hearts and, in the end, something had to be done about it, Jamieson told The Independent.