I started out training to be a Registered Animal Nursing Auxiliary in the late 60s whilst working for Josephine Stewart M.R.C.V.S. B,V.M.S. who was an orthopaedic specialist .
Despite it being an incredibly rewarding experience it soon became obvious that it was never going to be a financially stable career so I went into kennel management. I borrowed the boss’s young German Shepherd Dog and with her blessing went off to the local dog training club.
I discovered a talent and when the boss took her dog back I went and acquired a Golden Retriever who I called Rufus but was horrified to be told the Golden Retrievers were far too slow and would never be able to compete at a high level at obedience. Three years later we qualified to compete at Championship Test C which was the highest possible level and the standard required to qualify for Crufts.
I then set up as a freelance professional dog trainer and when it arrived several years later embraced behaviourism.
I was accepted as a full member of The British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers. I have appeared on B.B.C. and I.T.V. to discuss canine behaviour and was a regular guest on B.B.C. Radio Cornwall for many years.
In my retirement, I was a volunteer for a charity called Arche Noah that specialises in neutering stray animals and providing veterinary care for sick and injured animals worldwide. I ended up doing a full circle. I returned to veterinary nursing and spent nearly ten years assisting these incredible veterinary surgeons.
