SOME will call them barking mad, but a bold Gwent couple has unleashed Wales' first rehabilitation spa for dogs.

The venture, based at Pontllanfraith near Blackwood, is aimed at helping canines to recover from leg or spinal injuries and enabling Crufts-type specimens to reach peak fitness.

It's the brainchild of husband and wife team Norah and Bert Raymond, assisted by business mentor Mark Adams of enterprise agency Venture Wales.

The couple created The Dog Spa Ltd in a converted barn in the grounds of their home.

Norah Raymond said: "The Dog Spa is dedicated to helping dogs enjoy a full and active life.

"Encouraging a dog to swim in a custom-built spa has enormous benefits for the overall well-being of the animal.

"We have a heated pool with jets, large enough to accommodate all breeds from Jack Russell to Great Dane. "We also have a heated stainless steel spa bath which is the only one in Wales and excellent for treating arthritis."

The business will be relying on referrals from local vets who need to devise rehabilitative plans for their patients.

Additional clinics are planned at the spa to cover acupuncture and chiropractic treatments.

Norah knows her dogs, she's a breeder of Rhodesian Ridgebacks and she understands how a spa can be used for show dogs to help build up muscle tone and fitness.

She said: "The show dog fraternity has been looking for a facility of this kind in South Wales for some time."

The Raymonds are a classic case of turning a passion into a lifestyle business.

Norah said: "Creating this business has been a dream but without the help of Venture Wales, I'm not sure we could have got this far."

Since first discussing the idea with the agency in December 2002, the Raymonds have received help with their planning application, business plan, banking, marketing, book-keeping and tax returns.

Terry Pearson, head of Venture Wales' lifestyle division, scented success straight away.

He said: "We are delighted with the way this new venture has been launched. Norah and Bert have worked diligently in preparing their business which meets a specific need and now has potential for growth."

Venture Wales mentor Mark Adams said: "This is an unusual business, but it certainly fills a gap in the market."

* If you have a business idea and would like to discuss it with Venture Wales call the hotline on 0845 0453150.