Our History, Purpose &
Goals
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Where
it all began ...
We
had to develop a team of dedicated people and teach them, firstly how to
train their own dogs, and secondly, teach them to educate the rest of the
community … our message is responsible dog ownership and our purpose is
to share this wonderful gift of animal communication with the rest of the
world! |
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How we
started …
Through
voluntary work at the local nursing homes and hostels we have been able to
provide much missed animal contact along with serving a therapeutic
purpose for many of the elderly population in the local community.
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Entertaining
family performances at local agricultural shows and events has allowed us
constant community contact in providing opportunities for all, children
and parents, young and old, to interact with dogs of different breeds and sizes, to learn
general dog handling and socializing skills, to show just how much fun it
is to own and live with a well trained, family dog and be able to offer
sensible advice on dog ownership and training.
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We
are an example of how one person can bring a group of people together to
achieve a goal, a dream, and create a recognised and respected identity
throughout a community.
Of course, not without mentioning the consistent support and unconditional
belief in my dreams from my mum, Heather, and my sister, Rene. Also
Sue Walsh, one of
the first people to believe (and still does) in this journey ...
"yes Sue, you'll be famous one day!" |
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Looking
back …
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1999
saw this virgin team, beginning as a flyball demonstration only, leave a
lasting impression throughout the South West of Western
Australia. With consistent coverage and support in the local
newspapers, appearances at South West Agricultural Shows,
interviews on ABC Radio and 'prime time' TV coverage on the GWN News
... we grew!
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2000
followed through … with the introduction of a full agility set of
equipment, the act became a real crowd pleaser, dogs running, jumping,
crawling and playing tricks. Supported
by the breath taking stunts, hoops and bar jumps of fire, performed by two
very trusting and carefully trained dogs!
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Today
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2001
has seen three years of support by the local company, Imaging the South,
our sole sponsor. Dr Johnny
Walker has followed our work closely and believes in our goals and purpose for the
community, young and old. This
has enabled our team to continually update and maintain equipment and
helped to present this young, dynamic group of entertainers with the
professional image that we carry today. |
We
are not a group of elitists - all dogs, and people, have the potential to
do what these dogs and handlers do, cross breed or pure breed, adult or
child. Most importantly, these entertaining canines are much loved family
pets and share the lives of their owners as most family dogs do.
Our team
members are committed to positive training methods and enjoy passing on
whatever knowledge and experiences they may have, however small it may seem.
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To
the Future … |
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We
aim to expand our voluntary support throughout the local community,
continually grow our knowledge and share the most we can of this wondrous journey with all walks of life!
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Helen Stathy |
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