But instead the kind-hearted farmer gave them to the National Canine Defence League's home in West Calder, where the puppy was spotted by Laurie-Ann Ferguson, now 23 and a qualified vet, then just a volunteer with a passion for animals.

She persuaded her parents, Maureen and Eric, to take the puppy – named because there is a brown tint to his black and white fur – into their home in Newington. "It was about a fortnight before we were going on holiday – getting a dog was the last thing on my mind," laughs Maureen.

Guinness quickly became a well-loved family pet – but then last June, as he leapt to catch a stick thrown by Eric while out on a walk on Kirkhill Road, not far from his home, he landed awkwardly on his neck on a corner of the pavement. His eyes were rolling and he was panting heavily but he couldn't get up. Eric carried him home and then rushed him to their vets, Harry Haworth of Lamond Veterinary Clinic in Livingston, who suspected a broken neck.

Guinness was only given a 50/50 chance of surviving the subsequent five-hour operation at Edinburgh University's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary to repair his broken neck – he pulled through, but had to spend six weeks in intensive care.

He returned home alive – but a shadow of his former self, barely able to stand, his muscles wasted away. It was then that Guinness was referred to Pet Physio, based at the Oak Tree Veterinary Clinic on Queensferry Road, which houses a hydrotherapy pool and treadmill for dogs – the only place in Scotland with both.

The hydrotherapy pool opened in March last year, with the treadmill following around a year ago, and has already treated more than 100 dogs – the only type of animal so far, although cats and even rabbits can also use the equipment.

Most dogs undergo between eight and 12 30-minute sessions for a range of conditions, from building up strength after surgery to hips or spines, arthritis and weight loss.

"It can just be used for general fitness – we had one show owner who during show season used the pool to keep the dog stronger and fitter so it's quite a variety," explains vet Alistair Marks, Oak Tree's owner.

Some dogs adore the pool – and end up leaving a fair proportion of the pool's 6,750 litres of water on the floor. Others feel uncomfortable in the water, so try the treadmill instead. "Co-operation of the pet is vital," says Alistair. "And obviously you can't chat to them and say, 'This is going to do you good'."

Referrals come from other vets, as well as Oak Tree's own clients, and while many dogs start off just managing a few bare minutes, within a few weeks they can tackle the majority of the 30-minute session.

As for Guinness, he began with twice-weekly sessions last August, coming on in "leaps and bounds".

"He could barely walk from the back door to the front – he is still a bit wobbly as if he's had too many gin and tonics but he is as happy as anything – and he can now go up to the top of Arthur's Seat," beams Maureen, 60.

"It's remarkable, considering he was paralysed," says Laurie-Ann's brother, Kieran, 25.

"He is our most dramatic success story," says Alistair. "He is a real star."

For more information, log on to petphysio.co.uk or call 0131-539 7539