1.
GV Dog on back of motorcycle wearing goggles, Gene Alva driving bike to scuba centre (2 shots)
0.16

2.
CU Picture of dog (Mutley) on Alva's tee-shirt PULL BACK TO GV dog and owner at side of pool
0.25

3.
SVs Scuba-diving equipment (2 shots)
0.35

4.
CUs Alva fitting dog with scuba outfit (2 shots)
0.46

5.
GVs Alva helping Mutley into water, dog disappears into pool (2 shots)
0.55

6.
SVs Mutley under water (2 shots)
1.16

7.
SV TILT UP Picture of dog on skis
1.23


SPEECH TRANSCRIPT (SEQ. 3):



PLANTE: "How did you teach her how to scuba dive?"



ALVA: "Well, she's been scuba diving for almost three years, and actually not scuba diver (as heard). I've been underwater and she used to follow the bubbles on top, so I talked to these people and finally got her the gear AND it didn't take very long, just put the gear on, get her in the pool. It took me about one day to get her in the water, it was no problem, you know, as long as I'm there she's happy."



PLANTE: "It's amazing, does she enjoy it."



ALVA: "She never said it, but I think she does."





Initials RdeL/BB



EDITORS' NOTE: THIS STORY CONTAINS COMMENTARY BY ITNA REPORTER HANK PLANTE WHICH MAY BE USED IF REQUIRED.

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Three years ago, freelance photographer Gene Alva rescued Mutley, a homeless part-terrier from the pound in Whittier, California. Mutley has since become the only scuba-diving dog in the United States and possibly the world. Gene Alva and his canine diving companion form an unusual team as they ride to the local swimming pool for an underwater swim. Mutley has a specially made scuba diving suit, including a customised diving helmet and oxygen pack. Gene says Mutley used to follow his bubbles on the surface when he was diving, so he decided to spend 3,000 dollars on equipping her with the gear required to join him underwater. It took only one day to encourage Mutley into the pool, and as long as her master is in or under the water, Mutley follows. Scuba diving isn't Mutley's only sport. For winter, she has special doggy skis and is learning to tackle the slopes with the best of skiers.