One of Rosie's human rivals over the years was ex-All Black Richard Turner, here coming face to face in a 2006 race. Photo / Kenny Rodger
Rosie the labrador is set to start in the King of the Bays race for the last time
Rosie the labrador is retiring, doggy paddling for the last time in tomorrow's King of the Baysswimming race.
The 10-year-old (53 in human years) has raced in the North Shore
King of the Bays contest for the past four years and has become one of the main attractions.
Owner and swimming companion Belinda Carpenter says Rosie loves the water and can easily beat her human competitors.
"We start last but we pick people off one by one. People get a lot of flak because they've been beaten by the dog. Rosie beat [Act Party leader] Rodney Hide, just for the record."
Rosie will compete in the 750m race at Takapuna Beach.
Over the years, she has been involved in other Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series races, including the Harbour Crossing and Milford-to-Takapuna courses, as well as running beside her owners in various triathlons and coast-to-coast races.
But the time has come, owner Belinda Carpenter says, for her "little buddy" to retire.
"The other day we went out in the water and a school of fish just leaped onto my back, flapping.
"She started chasing them and she was a puppy again. But she gets out of the water now and she's got a slight limp.
"I said, `Nah, that's it."'
Rosie will join up to 1000 participants at King of the Bays - the last race in the Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series which began last November.
Ironman Terenzo Bozzone will also be competing in the race.
Belinda Carpenter says Rosie has motivated and inspired lots of people through the years who are likely to come out to see her on raceday.
"A lady came up once and said she had given up. But then she looked up and saw Rosie and thought: `If Rosie can do it, I can too.'
"It's the end of an era for our Rose and so we'll definitely be putting a few steaks on the barbie for her."
