At the age of five, my teacher asked the class to write about what they wanted to do when they grew up. I still have the story I wrote setting out my scheme to buy a rowing boat and head off to live on an island with a brown and white fluffy dog! My love of dogs has been the guiding passion in my life, and I endeavour to advocate for them whenever possible.
Since getting married in the ‘80’s, a varied collection of 11 dogs to date (10 rescues) have become family members. Breeds ranged from bearded collies and a rogue terrier, before in 2012 fate brought us miniature schnauzer brothers Alfie & Duke. We adopted Wilma, our first ex puppy farm breeder in 2016; she was followed by Trevor, Gavin, Beryl and Brenda. Bar one, all our dogs were rescued from different forms of neglect, but the deep-seated trauma experienced by low welfare, ex breeding dogs and its long-term impact on their physical and mental wellbeing opened my eyes still further.
As a supporter, I found a natural home with like-minded people when Janetta founded Schnauzerfest. I’ve been involved in various capacities as it’s evolved into a registered charity. Becoming a trustee is a genuine honour and I wholeheartedly welcome the opportunity to support the charity’s mission to improve the lives of dogs in need. I’ve enjoyed a varied working life in the public and private sectors and as a trustee I look forward to contributing to the charity’s governance and decision-making with dog welfare at its heart.