Australian Dolphins’ backstroker Minna Atherton appropriately welcomes her water loving puppy

Australian Dolphins’ backstroker Minna Atherton will have an additional set of eyes watching her when she makes her first appearance at a world swimming championship in South Korea next month — her puppy Ralph

Australian Dolphins’ backstroker Minna Atherton will have an additional set of eyes watching her when she makes her first appearance at a world swimming championship in South Korea next month.

The 19-year-old normally has her family watching from their inner city home, but there has been a welcomed addition to the household since Atherton’s last appearance on national television at the Commonwealth Games — her puppy Ralph.

And appropriately Ralph loves water.

Minna Atherton (left) celebrates her Australian selection. (AAP Image/Darren England)

The 13-week-old is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever who features a water-repellent double coat that makes him ideal for luring water fowl for hunters in Canada.

Ralph’s water loving heritage explains why Atherton’s coach David Lush had to stop him from following her into the water when Atherton dived in to start her training last Thursday.

“I have always wanted to get a puppy. They are pretty rare in Australia and I wanted this breed,’’ the Brisbane Girls Grammar School past student said.

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Atherton had to wait six to eight months to get Ralph because there were only a couple of breeders in Australia.

“I put in a couple of interest forms and this one was the winner. He is developing a nice personality.’’

Minna Atherton wins the 100m backstroke final at the nationals.(AAP Image/Darren England)

Atherton said she would dearly miss Ralph during her month abroad with the Dolphins, but her family had rallied around to look after him.

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Atherton, from the Brisbane Grammar Swimming Club stable, was excited to follow up her debut for the Dolphins at last year’s Commonwealth Games.

“I was really happy with my swims (at the trials). It was really good to have a great training block after Christmas and I am really happy with my results,’’ she said.

The world championships will be held between July 12 and July 28.